Cockwells - Duchy 35 - Orinoco - Exterior

Preserving Heritage & Embracing Innovation

We are as passionate about the artisan skills of the shipwright as we are about cutting-edge advances in engineering and electronics.

For those who appreciate the precision and artistry of traditional craftsmanship; the latest technological advances and the polished styling of the 21st century, our aim is to replicate the boat-buying experience of yesteryear where you work with the boat builder to design your vessel in every detail.

Our craftspeople are as deft with a chisel as they are with a CNC machine, and as knowledgeable about building with high-tech composites to increase durability and minimise maintenance as they are about working with ethically-sourced larch, chestnut, mahogany, oak, yellow cedar and teak substitutes.

When you commission from Cockwells, we work with you to create an exceptional vessel of outstanding performance, understated elegance and relaxed handling that resonates with your lifestyle. Whatever your specifications, we will design and build a unique vessel to your precise requirements and our exacting standards without compromise.

With over 28 years of delighting discerning clients, we hope you will become one of the next generation of Cockwells’ owners to benefit from our experience and expertise.

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OWNER AND SALES & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Dave Cockwell

Dave is a boat builder through and through. From ‘the kid who could fix boats’ at Bristol Docks to the skilled shipwright he is today, he has extensive experience of every type of hull construction and joinery, and is driven by his quest to resolve the next design challenge, however insurmountable it may seem. He is also keen to embrace new technology and the most up-to-date build techniques.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Dean Short

After six years as the Director of Operations at Princess Yachts, Dean joins Cockwells as our Managing Director, ensuring the successful production of all our Duchy and Hardy Motor Yachts and also the design, development & manufacture of our superyacht tenders.

Dean is a highly experienced manufacturing and operations professional and now brings his extensive expertise to Cockwells, helping to drive the development of our global brand to meet our ever-growing demand.

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Henry Ward

Henry is our resident creative genius. He joined the company in 2011 and is involved in all aspects of bespoke yacht and tender design – from initial concept sketches through to detailed 3D CAD models and construction drawings.

As well as being responsible for our design studio, Henry contributes to the day-to-day running of the company as a member of our management team.

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Jason Foat

Prior to joining Cockwells, Jason began his career on the shop floor at Princess Yachts. After completing a Marine Engineer apprenticeship he worked his way up through the company to become the Production Manager for many of the famous boatbuilder’s flagship models.

Jason joined Cockwells in early 2024 and is responsible for the production of all our Duchy Motor Launches and Hardy Motor Yachts.

AFTER-SALES DIRECTOR

Tristan Rowe

Tristan grew up in Mylor and has spent much of his life on and around the water.

He has amassed more than 20 years’ experience in customer care within the marine industry, having previously worked at Pendennis Shipyard as a member of its sales team.

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Ian Cunnington

Ian joined Cockwells in 2020 with over 15 years’ experience in the furniture industry. Having trained at Rycotewood College in Thame, he worked on projects for many prestigious organisations, including the Supreme Court and the Palace of Westminster.

Ian brings his wealth of experience to manage the initial phase of production, overseeing all the stages of the boat build that occur before the assembly phase – from joinery to fibreglass and infusion.

TENDER PROJECT MANAGER

Sam Jacklin

Sam supervises the production of all our superyacht tender projects, as well as managing day-to-day operations at our Mylor HQ.

Hailing from a background in fleet management for solo offshore race projects and international marine manufacturing, Sam joined the superyacht tender team in 2022 – he now overseeing and supporting all activities on the shop floor, liaising with owners’ teams and optimising the production of our world-class superyacht tenders.

SENIOR TENDER PROJECT MANAGER

Rob Birch

Born in Brixham and raised in Dartmouth, sailing and boat building is a way of life to Rob. Since joining Cockwells in 2013, he was initially the driving force behind the production and development of our ever-expanding range of Duchy Motor Launches.

He now utilises his extensive expertise in the delivery of one-off projects such as the bespoke pair of 7m superyacht tenders we created for Perini Navi’s Sybaris and our 50 knot catamaran tenders for megayacht ‘BLUE’.

SENIOR MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Emma Webster

With over ten years of marketing and events experience, Emma has immersed herself in the marine industry since joining Cockwells.

Not only is Emma the face behind the website, but she also oversees all other marketing and events needs, including producing and executing Cockwells’ marketing and events strategy, organising our attendance at boat shows and managing all aspects of our digital and traditional marketing.

AFTERSALES ADMINISTRATOR

Penny Wakeling

Penny is a lifelong sailor and has been involved professionally in the marine industry for over 15 years.

She has gained extensive maritime experience working both on the and off the water, from crossing oceans on 70ft yachts to teaching RYA courses in and around Falmouth harbour.

Penny then spent several years working in yacht and motorboat sales and is now an integral part of our aftersales team at Cockwells.

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As we expand the range of high-end craft that we design and build, we continue to invest in the company and our workforce, and create new career opportunities across the trades and office functions.”

DAVE COCKWELL, FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

Careers

Working at Cockwells is an exciting career and lifestyle, not just a job. Become part of the family, and discover what you can achieve as part of our team.

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