Sunseeker has opened a sales office at Vilamoura marina, marked by an opening party last weekend. Sunseeker is recognised worldwide as a premier manufacturer of luxury motor yachts based in Poole in the UK.
Many existing Algarve-based Sunseeker yacht owners were present at the launch with a backdrop of three Sunseeker vessels, the San Remo, the Predator 57 and Predator 84.
Vitor Aleixo, the president of Loule council, helped launch the event hosted by Sunseeker International’s chief executive Phil Popham. Vilamoura World’s chief operating officer Declan Quilligan was present as the property development business is a brand partner of Sunseeker.
Vilamoura world has planning permission for a 400 hectare development announced in early September 2015. The plan is to construct over 5,000 residential units in 18 themed development areas over the next 10 years.
This expansion of Vilamoura to the west over coastal farmland should attract new owners to Sunseeker’s Vilamoura base when the development phases are built and sold off.
Sponsors for the launch included local financial services companies PremierFX and Blacktower and the new Sunseeker branch office will offer sales, service, charter and guardianage under the experienced management of Steve Handy.
Sunseeker can trace its roots to 1969 when Poole Powerboats was established to take over the moulds from US company Owen’s Cruisers which was withdrawing from the European market.
In June 2013, Dalian Wanda acquired Sunseeker International for $500 million. This acquisition gave the Chinese company a 92% stake in the luxury yacht business.
Today, Sunseeker International employs a team of over 2,000 highly skilled designers, engineers and master craftsmen supported by a worldwide network of over 80 retail and service locations, exporting around 140 yachts a year to more than 45 countries.
For James Bond fans, Sunseeker boats have featured in Bond films since 1999. The relationship began with The World Is Not Enough, famously chasing up the Thames in the pre-credits sequence, and continued through Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.
Steve Handy said the key markets in the Algarve are the British, French and Portuguese with many expressions of interest already. The first years trading for Sunseeker in Vilamoura is expected to be around £5,000,000 before taxes.
