The latest model in Cockwells’ popular Duchy Motor Launch series – the Twin Cabin Duchy 35 – that was unveiled at the 2019 Southampton International Boat Show has been shortlisted in the Powered Vessels category of the 2020 Classic Boat Awards.

Historic Falmouth working boat, Bessie – which has been restored by Cockwells’ apprentices – has also been nominated in the Restoration of the Year (under 40ft) class.

The Classic Boat Awards celebrate the best newly-built boats and restorations in the ‘wonderful world of traditional vessels and the people who float them.’

The Twin Cabin Duchy 35, designed by Andrew Wolstenholme and built by Cockwells, has been described by the judges as possessing the ‘good harbour launch looks of her sisters’, the Duchy 21 and Duchy 27.

Duchy Motor Launches are classically-designed, handcrafted, semi-production vessels that are built from low maintenance composites and defined by the seemingly infinite number of optional extras that can be incorporated – from teak decks and leather seating to custom glassware in tailor-made stowage.

The Twin Cabin Duchy 35 demonstrates an even greater level of customisation to revolutionise layout as well as ease of use.

“The Duchy 35 is for cruising and relaxing, and offers unrivalled seakeeping with style,” explains Founder and Managing Director, Dave Cockwell. “The twin cabin layout transforms the boat into a comfortable family cruiser with a galley located in the spacious saloon and two double berths below,” he adds. “The shower compartment offers generous headroom and a full-width electric sunroof enables you to take in panoramic sea views from all-round windows. Your choice of hardwood joinery, electronics and upholstery complete the picture.”

At the traditional end of the spectrum, Bessie was built in Looe in 1904 to work the oyster beds of the Helford River. Later, she raced in Falmouth. Now, she is all set to sail visitors across Bideford Bay in the summer months.

This restoration involved much work to her hull as apprentice, Jack Sullivan, explains: “We had to re-plank, which involved learning how to ‘spile’, or take a pattern from an old plank and create a new one, as well as re-fasten old planks and replace frames. I really enjoyed putting my hands to something with a bit of heritage and learning the techniques of proper, traditional boatbuilding as part of my real-time work experience through Cockwells’ Apprenticeships.”

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted twice in this prestigious industry awards scheme and hope that the public will support us by voting for the Twin Cabin Duchy 35 as well as Bessie,” concludes Dave Cockwell. “These vessels showcase the breadth of our expertise from the artisan skills of the traditional shipwright to the style, seakeeping and technical innovation that we are renowned for at the luxury end of the market.”

All you need to do to cast your votes is (voting has now closed) and select Twin Cabin Duchy 35 for the Powered Vessels category of the 2020 Classic Boat Awards, or to choose Bessie for the Restoration of the Year (under 40ft) class (voting has now closed).

Winners of the Classic Boat Awards 2020 will be announced in the May issue of Classic Boat magazine, which is published on 3rd April 2020.

For further information about the Twin Cabin Duchy 35, (voting has now closed).

For further information about Cockwells’ Apprenticeships, (voting has now closed).