The Gentleman Magazine Issue 2 | April/May 2017 | Page 69

It is this ingenuity and experience that he is keen to share as his business develops. “When I left school at 15, I began an apprenticeship as a carpenter-builder and relished the challenge of renovating old wrecks. One refurbishment led to another and as a shipwright for hire, I tackled everything from catamarans and steel hulls to aluminium powerboats and superyachts learning my craft as I went along. Today, my job satisfaction comes from doing the very best job I am capable of and sharing my knowledge, values and work ethic with my own apprentices to help them progress. Whether we are building a bespoke boat for a billionaire or refitting a much-loved craft for a Cornish yachtsman, it is the attention to detail and focus on delivering exactly what the client wants that motivates us all.” This can involve seemingly insurmountable design challenges. When Italian shipyard, Perini Navi commissioned two state-of-the-art tenders for its award-winning superyacht, Sybaris they had to complement the mothership exactly and be accommodated within a very shallow tender garage. The solution? A detachable roof built from ultra-lightweight materials that can be flipped over and stored with ease. Designs on the drawing board include a 14.5m custom landing craft that is capable of transporting a Range Rover Sentinel from superyacht to shore. The latest custom build in production is a 10m wooden day boat that combines durable composites with the sleekness of teak to create the ultimate in luxury for six guests. But it is not just exquisite bespoke vessels that the company creates. Cockwells’ semi-production Duchy Motor Launches offer polished styling and outstanding performance without the high-end price tag. Echoing the classical designs of the gentleman's motor launch of generations past but incorporating modern luxury, processes and technology, they are ideal for first-time boat owners or families with waterside homes who enjoy cruising and relaxing. “We provide the durable, low maintenance composite hull in a range of sizes and you customise the interior with optional extras to chime with your way of life, whether you enjoy day trips and picnics, or dining al fresco beneath the stars,” explains Dave. Whatever kind of boat you may buy from Cockwells, one thing is certain. It will be distinctly yours in every detail and that is what will sustain this global brand that operates from a Cornish creek for the next twenty years and beyond. www.cockwells.co.uk | www.twitter.com/cockwells | www.facebook.com/cockwells The Gentleman Magazine | 69