The launch of Merlin, a 48 foot replica of a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter

In November we celebrated the launch of Merlin, a 48 foot replica of a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter.

2 years ago, Lance Whitehead the owner, a former RAF Squadron Leader now an investment banker and venture capitalist, sailed on Polly Agatha, another of our Pilot Cutters. “Despite the light weather she was impressively fast and the quality of her construction was really outstanding; the finish was more like a Mediterranean racing yacht than an old working boat – just right for my planned high quality charter business” he commented.

So in 2008 he commissioned Cockwells to build Merlin based on the lines of Peggy an original Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter built in 1903 by the Rowles Family of Pill. Although based in Bristol, Peggy is often seen sailing the waters of the Carrick Roads.

“It has given us all great pleasure to see Merlin come out of the shed today after we have been working on her for over 14 months. She floated on her lines perfectly. The team here are real craftsman and I am proud to say they have done a fantastic job”. States Dave Cockwell, owner and Director of Cockwells. “The next stage is the mast, rigging and sails and then we will all be looking forward to seeing how she performs in the sea trials. The large empty space that’s left in our shed at Ponsharden will soon be filled with another 3 classic yachts coming in at the end of the week for winter refit work, one of which is Argyll a Sparkman Stephens 60 ft yawl. So I am pleased to say we have a busy winter season ahead!”.

Sea trials for Merlin will be carried out over the coming weeks around the Carrick roads and local waters.

The launch of Merlin, a 48 foot replica of a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter

Launch of New Superyacht Tenders at Monaco Yacht Show ~ 23 - 26 September 2009

This year, the Monaco Yacht Show will see the launch of a new range of 'Tailormade Tenders' from Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilding in partnership with superyacht designers Redman Whiteley Dixon.

Both companies feel that it is time for a 'New Classic' and have joined forces to present a collection of innovative designs of classic launches specifically created for the superyacht tender market.

"As a traditional boatbuilder with a passion for classics, I have always admired the lines and simplicity of the Riva launches. We are not trying to recreate something I already consider to be perfect. Our aim is to create a new classic for this century combining high-tech composites with traditional finishing and classic style. It's great to work with such experienced superyacht designers as Redman Whiteley Dixon who appreciate our quality and skilled craftsmanship. As a specialist bespoke boatbuilder each tender we build can be tailormade to the owner's exact requirements" says Dave Cockwell, owner of Cockwells.

"We have the privileged opportunity to work very closely with our yacht clients from the initial spark of an idea until launch," says Mark Whiteley, director at Redman Whiteley Dixon, "this gives us a rare insight into their aspirations and uncompromising requirements; The partnership with Cockwells will enable us to bring the same meticulous attention to detail through to the often-underestimated tenders. The simplicity of the form is the backbone for all the variants and is the perfect canvas to expound the sublime craftsmanship of these elegant boat builders".

To see the new designs, visit the Cockwells Stand in the Superyacht UK arena, Darsud Area, Monaco Yacht Show 23 - 26 September 2009 or visit our website from 15th September www.cockwells.co.uk/superyacht-tenders.html.

Monaco Yacht Show dates are 23 - 26 September 2009, to find out more information on the show, please visit their website (www.monacoyachtshow.com).

Cockwells Tailormade Tenders

Our original 32 ft Classic Launch Ocean Fauna will be at Southampton Boat Show ~ 11 - 20 September 2009

We are attending Southampton Boat Show with our original 32 ft Classic Launch now named Ocean Fauna - details and spec sheet can be found on the following webpage ~ Ocean Fauna details and spec sheet.

Ocean Fauna will actually be for sale at the show so come and visit us at berth number 124.

Southampton Boat Show dates are 11 - 20 September 2009, to find out more information on the show, please visit their website (www.southamptonboatshow.com).

We do have some more exciting news coming up next month TBA!

32 ft Classic Launch Ocean Fauna

Cockwells reach finals of Motorboats of the Year Award 09.

On 12th January Dave Cockwell donned his posh suit and joined ‘the great and the good of the motor boating world’ to attend the glittering annual awards dinner held at the Waldorf Hotel celebrating the best in motor boating.

The Motor Boat of the Year Awards were back for their third year, created to recognise and celebrate great design, superb performance and innovation in the production of motor boats.

The judging took place in ten categories, from RIBs and sports boats to Custom Yachts over 70 feet. The judging panel was made up from the editorial test teams of Motor Boats Monthly, Motor Boat & Yachting and Custom Yachting.

The Cockwells 37 foot Classic Launch designed by Andrew Wolstenholme and built by Cockwells in 2008 had been nominated for The Motor Boat of the Year Awards 2009. We were delighted to discover that our Launch was selected as a finalist for the Traditional and Retro motorboat category.

Motor Boat of the Year Awards ~ Finalist for LIIT Cockwells 37' Motor Launch

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 over Christmas 2008, 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