17 February 2025
Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding has marked a strong start to an exciting year ahead with the sale of another Duchy 45, which is a brand new model in the renowned Duchy Motor Launches range.
The Duchy 45 preserves the classic lines and polished finish that are synonymous with Duchy Motor Launches, but offers more space in all areas of the vessel than any other Duchy that Cockwells has built to date.
From the expansive saloon and full-standing headroom to the super king-size master cabin with en-suite heads, this capable cruiser also offers a choice of two or three double cabins to provide a spacious, stylish and dependable on-the-water home-from-home.
The Mylor-based boatbuilder clinched the deal at Boot Düsseldorf with a British buyer, who initially plans to use the boat to explore the west coast of Scotland.
“We can safely say that our time at Boot Düsseldorf was a huge success as we concluded our week of exhibiting with the sale of another brand new Duchy 45,” explained Cockwells Founder and Sales Director, Dave Cockwell. “Elegant, contemporary and roomy, with as much space inside as out, this new model delivers modern luxury, 360-degree vistas and all the latest engineering technology that you would expect of a craft built in 2025.”
Cockwells’ award-winning Duchy 35 also made her European debut at the prestigious German boat show and charmed many new admirers from more than 30 countries around the world.
Although Duchy Motor Launches are semi-production vessels, they can be customised to the client’s unique specifications. On display at Düsseldorf was a single master cabin model with a galley down below, a spacious cockpit and an airy saloon – complete with ample seating, drinks refrigerator and sunroof for socialising and relaxing – but a twin cabin layout is also a popular option.
“We saw huge interest in our Duchy and Hardy yachts, and gained some very promising leads. We now have several sea trials planned in the coming weeks and months to show potential new clients how well our boats handle on the water,” added Dave.
“This underpins another exciting year of growth for Cockwells, as we set to double capacity and create new jobs after securing £1.88m from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council.
“This is part of a £2.9m project to expand our South West shipyard operation at Ponsharden, that will enable us to build the new Duchy 45 this year and reduce customer delivery time to less than 12 months. In total, this expansion is expected to create 38 jobs over three years and double Cockwells’ annual spend with local suppliers to £3m.”
Facilities will be enhanced to include the modernisation of two fit-out halls, upgraded workspace with reception, stores and offices, a new joinery shop and a large-scale paint booth. In line with Good Growth principles, investment in solar power, geothermal heating and planting 80 trees on site will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by some 26,000 tonnes.
Cockwells is due to release further new models this year, including the Hardy 45 European, which will also be built at the upgraded Ponsharden site, the Duchy 25 and exquisite new tender projects.
“With our expansion plans in full swing, now is the time to join us so if you are looking for a rewarding career in boatbuilding, in beautiful Cornwall, we would very much like to hear from you.”
For further information about Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding, visit cockwells.co.uk
To view Cockwells’ current vacancies, visit cockwells.co.uk/careers/