THE founder of Sunseeker has been remembered as a “gentleman” and a “true visionary”.

Robert Braithwaite, who died yesterday aged 75, started his business as a distributor of imported boats and turned it into a world-renowned builder of luxury yachts.

Jackie Phillipson, who knew Mr Braithwaite all her life and worked with him for 16 years as Sunseeker’s head of international PR and events, said she was “heartbroken”.

“He was one of the most loving, gentlest people I’ve ever had in my life,” she said.

“He had a very close bond with certain people and held close a very tight-knit group of people that he loved and respected and worked alongside. Then there was the private man – and he was a very private man.”

She said he would often switch from driving a forklift truck at Sunseeker to meeting celebrities or royals. “We worked so hard for him because we all believed in him and, because we believed in him, we believed in our brand,” she added.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We are all terribly sad to hear this news in the chamber and we know Robert will be mourned by so many in the business community.

“We’ve enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Sunseeker and Robert was a true entrepreneur and visionary, starting from humble beginnings originally importing boats and then building his first powerboat as Sunseeker, now the leading global manufacturer of luxury powerboats. He leaves an incredible legacy and we send our condolences to Robert’s family and all at Sunseeker.”

Bournemouth and Poole College tweeted: “He was a real champion for apprenticeships and training and a good friend of the College. Our thoughts with his family and Sunseeker.”

Their tributes followed those of Sunseeker chief executive Christian Marti, who said yesterday: “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.”

Robert Braithwaite left school at 15 and founded Friars Cliff Marine in the 1960s, selling various brands including small boats made by the US firm Owens Cruisers Inc.

Friars Cliff Marine moved to Poole and became Poole Powerboats in 1969. When Owens Cruisers decided to close its UK operation, Robert Braithwaite raised some money, drove to Owens’ offices in Arundel and negotiated a deal to acquire their boat moulds. He was joined in the business soon afterwards by his brother John, who became heavily involved in designing yacahts.

The business was renamed Sunseeker International in 1985. Its yachts became popular across the globe and it 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. He was awarded a CBE in 2007.

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