Cockwells to Exhibit at British Motor Yacht Show for Second Year

What does it take to earn a spot among the world’s most prestigious motor yacht brands? For one Cornish boatbuilder, it’s a combination of award-winning craft, meticulous attention to detail, and a pair of vessels that turn heads wherever they drop anchor.

Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding has been invited back for a second year to exhibit at the British Motor Yacht Show, an exclusive event taking place at Swanwick Marina on the River Hamble in Hampshire from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th May.

📷The Duchy 35 - Image Credit: Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding

Two Award-Winning Vessels on Display

The Falmouth-based boatbuilder will be showcasing two of its standout models. Centre stage goes to the Hardy 45 European ‘Lady Ella’, which was recently awarded Highly Commended at the Motor Boat Awards 2026, hosted by Motor Boat & Yachting magazine.

Joining her on the pontoon is a Duchy 35, a model that took home the winner’s title in the Wheelhouse and Cockpit Cruisers category at the same awards back in 2018.

📷The expansive helm and seating area on the Hardy 45 European - Image Credit: Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding

What’s Special About ‘Lady Ella’?

‘Lady Ella’ is the first hull of this all-new model from Cockwells, designed to combine the robust design of the Hardy range with the contemporary comforts and technological innovations of a modern motor yacht.

The vessel features a semi-enclosed aft deck helm, a spacious saloon with U-shaped seating, a fully equipped galley, and a full beam owner’s stateroom aft complete with a king size bed and full-standing headroom. There’s also a comfortable double forward guest cabin and dual ensuite heads.

She uses the same semi-displacement hull as the iconic Hardy 42, designed by naval architect Andrew Wolstenholme. Her low-profile design and folding radar arch allow her to pass beneath bridges with ease, while optional bow and stern thrusters provide manoeuvrability in tight spaces.

Delivered in early 2025, ‘Lady Ella’ presents like new and is being sold on brokerage for £1.25m due to the current owner’s unforeseen circumstances.

📷The Hardy 45 European, 'Lady Ella', recently awarded Highly Commended at the Motor Boat Awards 2026 - Image Credit: Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding

The Duchy 35

The Duchy 35 on show is a highly-specified twin-cabin version with custom extras including a varnished Iroko transom and double saloon doors, two spacious cabins and a galley situated in the saloon, and stylish underwater lighting. She’s fitted with twin Yanmar 8LV 350hp engines, a Seakeeper gyrostabiliser, and onboard WiFi.

📷The warm interior of the Hardy 45 European - Image Credit: Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding

An Exclusive Event

The annual British Motor Yacht Show is curated by Premier Marinas in partnership with Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker. Each exhibitor is handpicked, allowing serious buyers to evaluate the pinnacle of luxury and marine sector expertise in an intimate setting.

Founder and Sales & Technical Director Dave Cockwell said the company was “proud to have been selected to exhibit at this prestigious boat show once again to take our place amongst the world’s leading yacht brands and welcome discerning visitors to step aboard our Hardy 45 European and Duchy 35.”

Speaking about the Cornwall operation, Dave added that from the company’s Cornish HQ, they “combine the artisan skills of the traditional shipwright with cutting-edge technology to create some of the world’s most iconic motor yachts and superyacht tenders.”

He invited visitors to “Visit us at the British Motor Yacht Show to discover how Cockwells can deliver your dream vessel in every exquisite detail.”

Attendance at the show is free but registration is required. Visitors can register to attend or request a private appointment with the Cockwells team through the show’s website.

📷Stylish custom underwater lighting on the Duchy 35 - Image Credit: Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding