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Cockwells celebrates 25 years by pushing the boundaries of the possible

A 25th anniversary is often a time for reflection; an opportunity to pause and bask in the glory of past success.

But that is not so at Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding.

This global brand, located on the idyllic banks of a Cornish creek in

Mylor, is far too busy to pause for anything. A quarter of a century’s boatbuilding experience heralds the beginning of a bright new era, fuelled by technical possibilities, the potential of modern materials and processes to innovate, and the happy prospect of many more beautiful bespoke boats to build.

Cockwells’ recent purchase of The South West Shipyard, a prime waterside site between Falmouth and Penryn, will enable the company to expand, meet growing demand and build more of its larger vessels, which range up to 65’.

in our people and our infrastructure – so nothing is out of reach. The seemingly impossible is possible because we apply tried and Reimagining tested methods, and experiment at the our designs to cutting-edge. We are cater for 21st as skilled with a chisel as we are with a CNC century demand machine, and that is what sets us apart.” Cockwells’ luxurious, custom-built superyacht tenders not only look to deliver “Where we win is that we are a reputable family firm that has not only survived but thrived for two-and-a-half decades – on aesthetic and performance but are the ultimate piece of equipment for busy owners and their crews. and through a pandemic,” explains the The company is respected as one of the company’s eponymous founder and MD, best and most reliable tender builders in Dave Cockwell. the industry because it offers technological “This is because we know how to build boats; we know how to combine traditional craftsmanship with up-to-the-minute innovation, ingenious design, exemplary client service, comprehensive after-sales care and absolute peace of mind. technologies to deliver exactly what our The company is also the proud originator clients want, and we continue to invest – of Duchy Motor Launches – a sought-after,

semi-production brand that combines the classical lines of the gentleman’s launch of generations past with polished styling and modern luxury. Ranging from 21ft to 60ft, these stylish vessels can be customised with any number of optional extras to create a maritime experience that is unique to each owner, whether sailing on lakes, canals, fjords or open water.

In 2020, Cockwells acquired the assets of Hardy Marine, a respected brand of all-weather, all-location motor yachts to expand its portfolio further.

“Like Duchy Motor Launches, Hardy motor yachts offer the ultimate in style and seakeeping as well as reliability, customisation and all the advantages that technological advances can supply,” Dave adds.

“The difference between them is simply a question of scale. Duchy Motor Launches combine space with seaworthiness to provide a comfortable craft for two but if you are a multi-generational family in search of long-distance adventure on the high seas, then our Hardy motor yachts provide the spacious accommodation and lifestyle choice for longer periods on the water.”

While Cockwells will continue to offer the original, well-loved and respected Hardy designs, Dave Cockwell and leading hull designer, Andrew Wolstenholme, are in the process of redefining the Hardy 42 and Hardy 50 to create the “definitive family cruising environment” with comfortable cabins, spacious saloons, outdoor living spaces, walkaround decks and additional safety features.

Dave says: “The first Hardy 42 to be launched from the Mylor Creek Boatyard will be our first hybrid diesel-electric boat and we have incorporated a digital switching system to enable full-remote control for ease of handling.

“Reimagining our designs to cater for 21st century demand and continually upskilling to be ahead of the curve is how we futureproof our business. Whilst today’s battery technology does not yet offer a useful range for fully-electric boats, it is only a matter of time before propulsion from an alternative power source will be a realistic choice and we are champing at the bit to experiment with that. We nurture traditional skills but we also push the boundaries of the possible and it is this ethos that will secure our success for the next 25 years and beyond.”