Robert Braithwaite, the man who co-founded Dorset’s world-beating luxury boat builder Sunseeker has died at the age of 75.

Mr Braithwaite, together with his brother John, set up the business as a local boat distributor of imported boats but turned it into one of the largest superyacht makers in the world.

He left school at 15 and dreamt of building a new kind of boat. He founded his business Friars Cliff Marine in 1969, but it became Poole Powerboats when it moved to the town in 1969 and was renamed Sunseeker International in 1985.

The pair produced innovative motor yachts using latest technologies and cutting-edge design. Their yachts became popular across the globe and the company employs around 2,600 people in Poole and Portland.

After Sunseeker yachts appeared in four James Bond films, Mr Braithwaite was invited to make a cameo appearance in the Daniel Craig movie Quantum of Solace.

Robert Braithwaite stepped down from his day-to-day role at Sunseeker in 2012 but continued as president.

He was awarded a CBE in 2007.

Christian Marti, CEO of Sunseeker International, issued a statement on behalf of the company today which says: "Sadly, in the early hours of this morning, Sunseeker’s founder Robert Braithwaite passed away.

"Robert was an inspiration to everyone at Sunseeker and to the wider marine industry, recognised as a boating pioneer, a true visionary and someone who changed the face of boating forever. 

"Robert was not only the company’s founder but the father of the ‘Sunseeker family’ here in Dorset, and worldwide through our dealers and clients. He will always live on as the driving force behind our success.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his immediate family."

More details to follow.