Cockwells Ferry Delivers the Royal Christmas Greetings.

In the summer of 2008 The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall joined Cockwells and the St Mawes Ferry Company at the naming ceremony of their newly-launched wooden ferry built by Cockwells using traditional boatbuilding methods and materials. Camilla unveiled the plaque naming the vessel after herself…. “The Duchess of Cornwall”.

It came as a very pleasant surprise to us to find that Prince Charles and Camilla had selected a photo of themselves onboard our Ferry to use for their annual Christmas card!

The photograph was taken by Tony Hopewell, a professional photographer who also works as a part-time crewman on the St Mawes Ferry. He said “During the naming ceremony, the St Piran flag had been covering the name plate it was controlled by strings and came crashing down landing on the duchess’s umbrella. Both of them started laughing at what had happened and I was fortunate to capture the moment”.

So this year, hundreds of charitable volunteers, friends and supporters who help their Royal Highnesses, received a happy photo of the royal couple on board a classic wooden ferry built by Cockwells! The Christmas card was also featured in all the national papers.

Do remember you can read more about the building of the ferry and see photos of her in build through the gallery page or follow this link: St Mawes Passenger Ferry Gallery.

Prince Charles and Camilla Christmas Card

Cockwells visits The Monaco Yacht Show 24 – 27th September

We will be visiting Monaco this year to distribute our new brochure and will be available for meetings from Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 September. Do contact us if you would like to meet up there (Click to book appointment at Monaco).

Cockwells successful return to Southampton Boat Show 2008

We have just returned from the Southampton International Boat Show where we were exhibiting two boats - the 37 foot Motor Launch LIIT and the 45 foot Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Polly Agatha. The latter was previously exhibited at the 2005 Show when she was just in frame! Both boats generated a huge level of interest from visitors who consistently remarked on how different they were from all other boats at the Show and on the high quality of the build and finish.

We were proud to stand out from the crowd.

Polly Agatha 45' Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter at Southampton Boat Show

Both our boats side by side in the quiet before the gates open

Cockwells website update

We have added two new sections to our site, firstly custom-built Superyacht Tenders and secondly a new Download section bringing all the reviews, our new brochures, and specification sheets together.

Also there has been a photo update for Merlin the 48' Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter. All the sawn oak frames have been assembled and are now being fitted to the keel. To see these photos and more information about our Classic Yachts, please look at Merlin web page ~ Merlin ~ 48' Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter.

Merlin ~ 48' Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter in frame

Cockwells return to Southampton Boat Show 2008

This year Cockwells have booked berth 383 at the Southampton Boat Show to display two of our recently launched boats, both of which we would be delighted to welcome you on board.

For the opening weekend we will be showing LIIT our new 37.6 foot classic wooden launch designed by Andrew Wolstenholme.

Classic Launch LIIT berth 383: Fri 12th – Sun 14th Sept

For the latter part of the show we are very proud to bring back our Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Polly Agatha along with her new owners, a charter company Bowsprit Sailing Ltd.

Classic Yacht Polly Agatha berth 383: Mon 15th – 21st Sun Sept.

During our previous visit to the Southampton Boat Show our stand was extremely busy. So if you are interested in visiting either of our boats we highly recommend that you pre-book your appointment to avoid any disappointment.

If you particularly want an appointment with Dave Cockwell please note that he will only be at the show from Friday 12th to Friday 19th September inclusively.

To book appointment at Southampton Boat Show to see Dave Cockwell - Southampton Boat Show Appointment request.

Read more ...

37 Foot Cockwells Classic Launch on sea trials in the Carrick Roads

LIIT 37' launch - interior

We have updated the LIIT 37' launch webpage to include new photos of the stunning interior show the saloon, galley and the fore cabin. To see the images, please click on the link below.

LIIT 37' launch - update ...

LIIT 37' Launch photos and information

Launch of a Stunning Classic (15th July 2008)

We have recently launched LIIT, the sleek and stunning 37 Foot Cockwells Classic Launch designed by Andrew Wolstenholme. She has been going through a series of sea trials and her elegant lines have turned many heads in the Carrick Roads. Her twin Volvo 225hp diesel engines enable her to go from standing start to 24 knots in 15 seconds. With approximate fuel consumption of 50 litres per hour at 18 knots she is also proving economic to run for a boat of this kind.

Motorboat and Yachting have been covering the build of this Launch and recently joined us on the sea trials and were definitely impressed! Watch out for their article coming out in the October issue which will be published at the beginning of September in time for the Southampton Boat Show.

37 Foot Cockwells Classic Launch on sea trials in the Carrick Roads

The Royal Naming Ceremony of the Ferry (11 July 2008)

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were welcomed on board the new St Mawes ferry for the naming ceremony on 11 July 2008 at the harbour in St Mawes, Cornwall. Camilla herself unveiled the plaque naming the new ferry the Duchess of Cornwall. Shortly after she set sail to Falmouth with Prince Charles at the wheel for part of the journey. Prince Charles met with Dave and the team who built the ferry and was keen to discuss the build of the boat and the general sustainability of wooden boatbuilding today.

Read more ...

Do remember you can read more about the building of the ferry and see photos of her in build through the gallery page or follow this link: St Mawes Passenger Ferry Gallery.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall on board of the new St Mawes ferry

Southampton Boat Show 12 – 21 September- Berth 383

Please visit us at the Southampton Boat Show this year - it would be great to see you. At the beginning of the show we will have LIIT our 37 foot Classic Launch making her first appearance. She will then move to a nearby mooring on the Hamble River to make way for Polly Agatha our 45 foot Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter recently featured in the August issues of Yachting World and Classic Boat. If you are interested in chartering a pilot cutter or sailing one as part of a crew come along and meet Kim Hartley owner of Polly Agatha and Bowsprit Sailing Ltd.

If you would like to make an appointment to see Dave Cockwell to discuss your boating requirements at the show do contact us (to book appointment at Southampton Boat Show).

Polly Agatha during a recent test sail for the article in Classic Boat
Classic Boat ©2008

Cockwells visits The Monaco Yacht 24 – 27th September

Dave and Jo Cockwell will be available to meet up on 25 to 27th September. Do contact us if you would like to meet up there (to book appointment at Monaco

Build begins on 55 Foot Pilot Cutter, Petal

Petal will be a replica of the Pet, the last serving Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter built by Rowles of Pill in 1905. She is also one of the largest boats built by Rowles and very similar to Marguerite. Her new owner is keen to keep her external appearance as original as possible even down to the lead toilet in the cockpit.

The lines were taken by Dennis Williams of Pill, a famous shipwright who Dave Cockwell has known all his life. His son David Williams, marine Surveyor, has given us much help with the re-creation and is acting as build surveyor on this project.

The lofting was created from the original sketches and measurements taken in the 50s by Dennis. Now the keel has been completed and the work has started on stem and stern-post and the frames are being cut at our sawmill.

Once all the individual component parts have been cut and shaped the keel will be laid in the build position and the frames attached.

Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 'PET' in Pill Creek near Rowles Yard

48 Foot pilot Cutter Merlin is well under way.

Alongside Petal is Merlin a lengthened version of Polly Agatha, built by Cockwells and launched in 2007. Merlin's future owner was very impressed with the design and build quality of Polly Agatha and very much enjoyed the sailing experience onboard with the Cockwells Team. However he was looking for a bit more space so, using tried and tested methods, Dave Cockwell and his team have added three feet into the middle of the vessel and refaired the hull using full size lofting as it would have been done 100 year ago.

Work is well underway with lofting complete and frame templates being made. Work has commenced on the keel and other centreline timbers.

Petal and Merlin will be built in tandem and launched in 2009.

New Projects and Skilled staff welcome

We are a keen enthusiastic company always ready to discuss any serious projects you may have in mind - now or in the future. Custom builds are our speciality both modern and classic.

We are always on the lookout for skilled shipwrights, joiners and boatbuilders who are willing to work with our apprentices in our ongoing apprenticeship scheme.

Contact us if you want a build or you want to build! ~ Contact us

Officially naming the new St Mawes Ferry

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall will be visiting St Mawes and Falmouth on Friday July 11. During their visit the Duchess will be officially naming the new St Mawes Ferry ''The Duchess of Cornwall''

The Duke and Duchess will meet the ferrymen and staff as well as some of the local school children from St Mawes CP School who became involved in the early design stages of the new wooden 60ft ferry.

The Duke and Duchess will then board the new ferry for a 20-minute trip from St Mawes across the harbour to Falmouth’s Prince of Wales Pier.

Read more ...

Do remember you can read more about the building of the ferry and see photos of her in build through the galley page or follow this link: St Mawes Passenger Ferry Gallery.

The new St Mawes Ferry on sea trials

The new St Mawes Ferry was launched

Champagne corks were popping in Penryn earlier this week when the new St Mawes Ferry was launched from Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilders.

The 60ft wooden ferry, which will have it’s official-naming ceremony in July, Is the result of two and a half year’s work by its owners – Cornwall Ferries Limited – and will carry 100 passengers on the 30 minute crossing from Falmouth to St Mawes 364 days a year.

“We are delighted - firstly that she floats and secondly that all the hard work has resulted in such a beautiful vessel,” said the company’s managing director Tim Light.

Read more ...

Do remember you can read more about the building of the ferry and see photos of her in build through the gallery page or follow this link: St Mawes Passenger Ferry Gallery.

The new St Mawes Ferry enters the water for the first time

Cockwells Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter returns to Southampton Boat Show 2008

In September 2008 Polly Agatha, the Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Replica, returns to the Southampton Boat Show with her builders Cockwells and her new owners the charter company, Bowsprit Sailing Ltd both of whom would like to welcome you onboard on berth number 383.

Read more ...

Polly Agatha will be at the Southampton Boat Show 2008

Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilding is shortlisted in the marketing strategy for Cornwall Business Awards 2008

Owner and founder Dave Cockwell said: "As a small business with a limited marketing budget, we are delighted to be shortlisted for the best marketing strategy award."

To find out more on the awards - Cornwall Business Awards 2008 and see if we win ....

Cornwall Business Awards 2008

Welcoming the Superyacht UK Tour of Excellence

Cockwells are delighted to be on the itinerary again for the 2008 Superyacht UK tour of Excellence organised by the BMF and supported by UK Trade and Investment. On 24th April we plan to entertain a group of international delegates from the marine industry including Captains, project managers, yard brokers and designers.

The timing this year will be ideal as our classic launch will be very near completion as an excellent example of the type of bespoke launches we can produce for the superyacht market.

For more information on the tour visit Superyacht UK Tour of Excellence website.

Superyacht UK Tour of Excellence

A new commission for a 48 foot Pilot Cutter

Cockwells had an exciting start to 2008 taking another commission for a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter to be built alongside the Pet replica (see below).

This new cutter will be based on the lines of the original Peggy but will be extended by 3 foot to a 48 footer providing more space in the saloon area and space for a workshop. The new owner, Classic Charters Limited will be using this Pilot Cutter, Merlin, for corporate and private charter, wildlife expeditions and some charitable work. They plan to be based in the UK with trips to Brittany, the Baltic and further afield for specific expeditions.

Keep an eye on our website for more details.

For more information on her and our other yachts, please have a look at our Classic Yachts pages.

Polly Agatha our 45 foot Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter replica sails away

The end of 2007 bought the end of an era for Cockwells when Polly Agatha, our 45 foot Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter sailed to her new home in Hamble River on the Solent.

New Owners Kim and Trudi Hartley sailed her home with their two sons Beau and Pelham. “I have to admit that I am a bit of a fair weather sailor but sailing Polly Agatha back from Falmouth even in the winter weather was a great experience. Polly Agatha feels solid and safe and having luxury accommodation below makes a big difference to me” says Trudi.Polly Agatha is now operating in the Solent as a private and corporate charter boat and a sailing school. Visit her website at Bowsprit Sailing website to view her sailing itinerary for 2008. If you are interested in chartering Polly Agatha or joining the boat for a sail call Kim Hartley on 00 44 7795480254.

In September 2005, When Polly Agatha was a bare hull with only a stem and frames, she made her debut appearance at Southampton Boat Show and impressed many as she towered over our stand.

Hopefully the Southampton Boat Show will provide us with a berth for Polly Agatha this year so you can come and have a look around during their show 12 – 21 September 2008 (The PSP Southampton Boat Show).

Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 'Polly Agatha'

Polly Agatha Build Gallery update

The Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 'Polly Agatha' has left Falmouth and now is at her new home in Cowes, bookings are being taken through Bowsprit Sailing website.

We have now updated her build gallery, to see the latest pictures ~ 'Polly Agatha' Gallery

For more information on her and our other yachts, please have a look at our Classic Yachts pages.

Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter 'Polly Agatha'

The build begins on a 54 Foot Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter – a true replica of Pet

So Philip Austin has started the lofting process on the floor of our workshop and Dave will soon be travelling to Hull to purchase a 45-foot log for the keel. The rest of the wood, the oak and larch, is stored at our sawmill ready for use.

Originally the plan was to build a boat along the lines of the Pilot Cutter Marguerite. However ideas have been swayed by a recent exciting discovery....

To find out more information relating to this project see 54 Foot Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter – a true replica of Pet web page.

For more information on her and our other yachts, please have a look at our Classic Yachts pages.

Ocean Fauna Gallery update

The launch 'Ocean Fauna' is a Cockwells 32' Classic launch (designed by Ed Burnett), she was built at Cockwells in 2004 and after her recent winter visit, her gallery has been up dated.

To see the latest pictures ~ 'Ocean Fauna' Gallery

For more information on her and our other launches, please have a look at our Classic Launches pages.

Cockwells 32' Classic launch 'Ocean Fauna'

The diary of the new wooden ferry

As the recent commissioned wooden ferry for the St Mawes Ferry Company has attracted great interest, it's build has been serialized. To read the latest diary entry and see more images of her, please go to the gallery page or follow this link: St Mawes Passenger Ferry Gallery.

Deck laying on the new wooden ferry