Sunseeker International has unveiled five new models – the ‘Famous Five’ – in a world premiere with one of the country’s best-known actors in the lead role.

Hugh Bonneville, who played Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, in ITV’s Downton Abbey, fronted a special launch video which went live to a global audience on May 14.

It can be seen here.

The all-new display of the Manhattan 55, Predator 55 EVO™, 65 Sport Yacht, 88 Yacht, and 90 Ocean are shown for the first time off the Dorset coast.

The five models dominated the waters as they sailed to Studland Bay in perfect formation against a spectacular sunrise.

Sunseeker, which has its manufacturing base in Poole and employs around 2,000 people, said revealing not one but five new models reflected the extraordinary pace of product development and was a feat never before seen in the company’s history.

The company produces around 150 boats every year ranging from 38-161 feet with 95 per cent exported.

In the run-up to the world premiere of the Famous Five, Hugh Bonneville, a friend of the brand, visited the boat builder in Poole to support the launch video.

The sheer expanse of Sunseeker’s presence, with its shipyard set against the backdrop of the town’s historic quayside, made for an ideal filming location.

Hugh said: “A few years ago, I joined the Sunseeker team at the London Boat Show and quickly came to understand that this company is so much more than a brand – it’s a global family.

“Sunseeker don’t just build boats, they build dreams and I feel very fortunate to join in the celebratory launch of these incredible new models.

“It’s an outstanding achievement of which the iconic British company can be justifiably proud.”

The famous actor, who went to Sherborne School and, among his many roles, played Mr Brown in the 2014 film Paddington and its 2017 sequel Paddington 2, went behind the scenes of the complex Sunseeker operation during his visit to Dorset.

Accompanied by Sunseeker CEO, Andrea Frabetti, pictured with the actor, and Douglas Culverwell, Director of Distributor Development, he toured the shipyards and met the teams responsible for building the yachts.

He also saw for himself the interior of the 88 Yacht, sat comfortably at the innovative SkyHelm™ of the 65 Sport Yacht, and felt at home on the all-new X-TEND™ transforming sunbed, one of the latest technology innovations on board.

Andrea Frabetti said: “It was a great privilege to welcome Hugh back to Poole to help launch all five new models, each imbued with Sunseeker style and innovation.

“This is the culmination of a great deal of hard work, talent and passion by the entire workforce; the credit rests with each and every one of them.

“This launch is a truly momentous occasion, and I cannot wait to welcome even more clients to our burgeoning ‘family’ as our range continues to expand.”

Originally named Poole Power Boats, Sunseeker was founded by brothers Robert and John Braithwaite in 1969.

The company changed its name to Sunseeker International in 1985.

In August 2013 a majority stake in the business was acquired by Wanda Group, the Beijing headquartered conglomerate with strong footprints across China, Europe and the US.

Poole is also the home to Sunseeker’s dedicated Design & Technology Centre, a facility which vertically integrates every detail of the yachts from the initial concept designs through to the finishing details including furniture, complex electrical systems, helm consoles and soft furnishings.

Next year, Sunseeker International will launch its first production yacht with hybrid power.

Demand for the company’s larger models continues to grow year-on-year with more than 141 yachts over 100 feet in length delivered since 2000.

The company’s Superyacht Division plans to expand its manufacturing into the world of metal-built yachts with Sunseeker producing its largest superyacht ever, the 50M Ocean, launching in 2023.

The current 21 boat range consists of:

Superyacht     50M Ocean, 42M Ocean, 131, 116

Yacht              100, 95, 90 Ocean, 88, 86, 76

Sport Yacht     74, 74XPS, 65

Predator          74, 74XPS, 60 EVO™, 55 EVO™, 50

Manhattan       68, 55, 52

Performance   Hawk 38

• All pictures courtesy Tiger Co/Sunseeker International.
• sunseeker.com