Preserving heritage and embracing innovation; an exceptional vessel with outstanding performance.
Words by Jilly Easterby
Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding, the Cornish boatbuilder whose HQ nestles alongside the banks of Mylor Creek near Falmouth, has long held a reputation for designing and creating sublime custom-built superyacht tenders that deliver on both aesthetic and performance, and push the boundaries of technological ingenuity.
The company is also the originator of Duchy Motor Launches – a sought-after, semi-production brand that combines polished styling and relaxed handling with modern luxury, processes and technology. Ranging from 21ft to 60ft, these stylish vessels can be customised to create a maritime experience that is unique to each owner, whether sailing on lakes, canals, fjords or open water.
In 2020, Cockwells acquired the assets of Hardy Marine, an equally-respected brand of all-weather, all-location motor yachts, to expand its portfolio further, and the company continues to build on Hardy’s original, well-loved and respected designs and redefine them for the modern cruiser.
Cockwells is renowned for fusing advanced techniques and modern materials with intelligent design and exquisite craftsmanship and its all-new Hardy 50DS is no exception. Combining rugged design and outstanding performance to create the ultimate sea-going yacht for spirited adventures with family and friends, this striking explorer vessel combines the practicality and functionality of a go-anywhere cruiser with contemporary finishes, fittings and internal styling.
As well as delivering a superlative double-berth en-suite owner’s stateroom; two double berth guest cabins with shared heads and shower, a vest deck saloon and large protected cockpit area for reclining and dining, this recently-launched Hardy 50DS also includes the option of an expansive flybridge with an open helm and aft deck to enable al fresco dining beneath the stars, outdoor relaxation in the heat of the sun or an idyllic vantage point from which to admire the view. Twin helm positions and two galleys complete the onboard amenities to provide all the comfort and convenience of an on-the-water home from home.
This impressive Category A explorer yacht can also carve through rough seas with ease and stability, as a result of its seaworthy semi-displacement hull, designed by eminent naval architect, Andrew Wolstenholme, and typifies the ocean-going capability to be expected from a Hardy Motor Yacht.
“The boats in the Hardy range are intended for serious cruising,” explains Andrew Wolstenholme. “Whilst an inviting interior is essential, hulls with excellent seakeeping characteristics and a comfortable motion are also a must. To that end, the 50DS uses a modified semi-displacement hull – the same hull as the well-proven Hardy 50 and an evolution of the earlier Hardy 42 – which received the ultimate accolade of being chosen by the RNLI for crew training.
“The fine bow cuts through the waves, allowing speed to be maintained in rough conditions and a steady ride for those aboard. With an optimum cruising speed of around 15-22 knots, this hull is perfectly matched to most skippers’ needs.”
As well as being an incredibly fast cruiser, with the capacity to reach speeds of up to 28 knots with its twin 725hp Volvo D11 engines, the versatile Hardy 50DS is equally happy sailing at 8 knots, offering efficient fuel economy over long distances. The Hardy 50DS utilises Cockwells’ innovative digital switching system with software that is coded and managed in-house. This enables all systems to be controlled from the helm with a simple touch of the screen – from the lighting, heating and windshield wipers to deploying the anchor. Wherever the vessel is located in the world, this intelligent digital system communicates useful data, such as battery condition and shore power status. It also allows the team at Cockwells to monitor the vessel remotely, if the owner so chooses.
The spacious flybridge incorporates an exterior helm, an outdoor galley, comprising an induction hob and mini refrigerator, and luxurious seating, which surrounds a bespoke table crafted from the material of your choosing – be it beautiful teak or practical composite. The helm offers seating for two, which enables you to pilot your boat in the open air.
Making your way down the stairs, you reach the aft deck. This large, protected cockpit provides another location in which to socialise and take in the sights and sounds of your anchorage or marina whilst taking shelter from the elements. Below deck is an enormous lazarette, which is perfect for stowing all sorts of water toys, such as paddleboards and wakeboards, as well as bicycles, outboard motors and ship’s store. A full-beam bathing platform with a telescopic swim ladder permits diving into the blue with ease and neatly accommodates the vessel’s tender for straightforward launching. A high-low bathing platform is also available as an option.
Stainless steel handrails and numerous grab handles surround the boat, ensuring that the walkaround side decks are safe for all to move around freely. Plush seating pads can be affixed to the foredeck for relaxing in style as you cruise through the water.
The elegant interior of the Hardy 50DS perfectly complements the rugged exterior of the vessel with its contemporary style and airy feel. Just behind the wheelhouse helm is the large galley, which is fully equipped with Corian® countertops, an electric oven, induction hob, refrigerator/freezer and an optional full set of custom-made Hardy glassware and crockery. The generous, carpeted saloon can seat up to six guests for dining or act as a living space for relaxing at anchor. Travelling down below, past the convenient washer/dryer, the owner’s opulent stateroom can be found, offering plenty of storage and hanging space. With a full-sized double bed, sumptuous mattress, separate en-suite heads and shower room plus a built-in vanity unit, this truly is the perfect place to rest your head after an exhilarating day at sea. Two further cabins with modern overhead lighting and storage space, as well as a shared heads and shower, complete the lower deck, providing ample accommodation for children or guests.
“Our new Hardy 50DS provides an exceptionally luxurious and safe environment for ocean crossings and long-distance voyages,” explains Cockwells’ Founder and Executive Chairman, Dave Cockwell. “What’s more, the capacious layout of this model, with its optional flybridge, offers versatility for all members of the family, or a group of friends.
“At Cockwells, we respect the traditions of the much-loved Hardy originals but are proud to develop this respected brand for new generations to enjoy. The Hardy 50DS offers stylish, open-plan living to cater for family members at all stages of life and friends with varying interests, and as with our popular range of Duchy Motor Launches, we can customise your Hardy in any way you choose, to reflect your unique requirements, lifestyle and tastes.”