Cockwells expands with takeover of Hardy Marine

Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding has acquired Hardy Marine in a deal that will result in the expansion of the award-winning Cornish company, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year.

Hardy Marine has built all-weather motorboats from its Norfolk base for the last four decades, while Cockwells builds bespoke boats, from luxury superyacht tenders and motor launches to traditional sailing yachts, from its purpose-built HQ at Mylor Creek.

Cockwells is also the originator of Duchy Motor Launches – a semi-production brand that echoes the classical designs of the gentleman’s launch of generations past.

In addition, Cockwells’ Mylor Creek Boatyard is also fully equipped to offer refits, restorations and engineering services for local yachts and superyacht tenders from all over the world.

“Both Cockwells and Hardy are committed to building exceptional motorboats that deliver style, reliability, customisation and all the advantages that technological advances can supply,” explains founder and managing director, Dave Cockwell. “The Duchy is predominantly a stylish day boat and occasional weekender. The Hardy is the Duchy’s rugged, sea-faring cousin. Cockwells are often asked to build bigger boats for cruising – the Hardy is ideally suited to that market.

“We plan to build on the seakeeping and styling of the Hardy brand and introduce Duchy-like finesse to some of the fittings such as Cockwells’ famous joinery and cutting-edge superyacht technology – to make the Hardy even more yacht.”

By 2021, Cockwells will have built 32 Duchy Motor Launches since the company launched the Duchy 27 in 2011, and demand continues to outstrip supply. Cockwells plans to chart the same course with the Hardy 32 to 65 ranges and increase demand for these trawler yachts.

Cockwells’ purchase of Hardy Marine will also create jobs. The company already operates from two sites – one in Falmouth as well as the Mylor Creek Boatyard – and has increased its workforce from 30 to 80 staff in recent years. Cockwells has appointed Julian Weatherill from Hardy Marine to the position of sales manager in order to sustain the continuity of the brand.

“The many synergies between Cockwells and Hardy make this a perfect match for me,” says Julian. “Having worked with Hardy clients and owners for the last few years, I am passionate about the brand and know that this new alliance will propel it forward. I am equally delighted to be working with the Cockwells team to drive the sales trajectory of its highly-prized Duchy Motor Launches.”

Cockwells’ purchase of Hardy Marine has been made possible as a result of funding from Business Investment for Growth (BIG). Financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by the Cornwall Development Company, this £3.15m investment fund aims to create 175 skilled jobs in Cornwall.