Royal Visit Marks Major Milestone for Cockwells in Cornwall

Published On: 7 May 2025Last Updated: 7 May 2025By CornishStuff

📷 Dave Cockwell invited HRH The Princess Royal to officially launch the Hardy 45 European by pouring champagne over the bow - Photo credit Cockwells/Toby Weller

Princess Royal opens new Training Academy and launches Hardy 45 European in Falmouth waters

Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding marked a momentous day as HRH The Princess Royal visited its South West Shipyard at Ponsharden, between Falmouth and Penryn, on Tuesday 6th May 2025.

A Warm Cornish Welcome

On arrival, Her Royal Highness was welcomed by a group of dignitaries including Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Councillor Mary May, Mayor of Penryn, and Jayne Kirkham, Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth. She was also greeted by key figures from Cockwells and the Pendennis Group, including Founder and Sales Director Dave Cockwell and Commercial Director Stephen Hills.

Dave then introduced Her Royal Highness to senior members of the Cockwells team and representatives from the Cornwall Marine Network before escorting her on a full tour of the manufacturing facility, where the company produces its acclaimed vessels.

📷HRH The Princess Royal officially opens the Cockwells Training Academy by unveiling a commemorative plaque - Photo credit Cockwells/Toby Weller

Behind the Scenes at the Shipyard

The first stop on the tour was the Moulding Shed. Here, Moulding Production Manager Ryan Tunnicliffe and Team Leader Harry Burley demonstrated the intricate process of gel coating and fibreglass layering that forms the foundation of each boat.

Her Royal Highness was then shown the Main Parts Building Workshop by Production Director Jason Foat, who explained how different departments work together to manage the boatbuilding process.

Apprentices Share Their Journeys

The visit offered a special moment for Cockwells’ apprentices. Two groups were introduced to Her Royal Highness by tutor Drew Pilley, giving each apprentice the chance to share their background and ambitions.

“The Cockwells Training Academy has provided an incredibly positive route forward into my career,” said apprentice Louis Foulkes. “I believe the skillsets and opportunities provided will allow me to spend the rest of my working life in a fantastic industry, and it was an honour to share this with The Princess Royal today.”

📷Boatbuilding apprentice, Neha Nizam meets HRH The Princess Royal - Photo credit Cockwells/Toby Weller

Celebrating the Future of Boatbuilding

In the Boat Assembly Area, Her Royal Highness met George Kohlman, Engineer, and Boat Building Team Leader George Henney before being invited by Production Manager Lee Sennett to view the company’s award-winning Duchy 35 motor launch.

The Princess Royal then unveiled a commemorative plaque, draped in a Cornish flag, to officially open The Cockwells Training Academy. The academy, which offers a four-year training programme in partnership with Cornwall Marine Network, is designed to equip young people in Cornwall with essential skills for the marine industry.

Hardy 45 European Launched in True Maritime Style

To conclude the visit, The Princess Royal carried out a traditional christening ceremony for Cockwells’ latest model. Pouring a bottle of Cornish Camel Valley champagne over the bow, she officially launched the Hardy 45 European.

“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal,” said Dave Cockwell. “We discussed the importance of sharing traditional shipwright skills with the next generation and the vital role the boatbuilding industry plays in our island nation.”

For more information about Cockwells, visit www.cockwells.co.uk.