The Rally welcomed pre-registered owners of Cockwells’ Duchy Motor Launches and Hardy motor yachts to join the fleet, and sail from Falmouth to Dartmouth to Yarmouth during the weekend.
The fleet of 24 vessels included three brand new Duchy Motor Launches – two Duchy 27s and a Duchy 35 – on their maiden voyages from Falmouth, heading for home berths on The Solent after the event.
In total, there were six Duchy 27s, four Duchy 35s, 11 Hardy motor yachts ranging from a Hardy 32 to a Hardy 50, one custom motor yacht, an RNLI Hardy training vessel and the Hardy 42 Raymariner that Raymarine UK deploys for testing its range of marine equipment.
The Rally commenced at Flushing Sailing Club (FSC) on the Friday evening with champagne and a hog roast sponsored by Mainbrace Rum. Guests were transported across the water to and from their moorings at Falmouth Haven courtesy of FSC’s launch. Each participating vessel was gifted a limited-edition artisan sailor’s ditty bag, incorporating Cockwells’ branding, created by The Mariners Supply Company; a bottle of Mainbrace Premium Golden Rum and a commemorative plaque bearing the name of their boat.
After a mizzly start on Saturday morning, ten craft from the Falmouth to Dartmouth leg of the Rally headed out to Carrick Roads and as the sun broke through the clouds, the fleet’s departure was captured for posterity, from above, by Aerial Cornwall.
Following a spirited four-hour sail, during which both Duchys and Hardys demonstrated their ease of handling and exceptional seaworthiness, the fleet arrived at Dart Harbour’s Visitor Pontoon. Later, guests enjoyed a drinks reception at Dartmouth Yacht Club, sponsored by Nanni Energy in Blue.
On the final day of the Rally, the fleet arrived at Yarmouth Harbour, where guests were offered welcome drinks on the pontoons by Pantaenius Sail & Motor Yacht Insurance as well as the chance to view Raymarine’s latest equipment on its Hardy test boat and tour the RNLI’s Hardy training vessel.
A group photo by Ocean Image followed and a cheque for £1,080, donated by Cockwells and their guests, was presented to the RNLI, before participants made their way to a reception at The Terrace restaurant, sponsored by Raymarine UK and Pantaenius Sail & Motor Yacht Insurance.
“We were proud to welcome old friends and new acquaintances to the Cockwells family to take part in this special occasion, and it was great fun to spend time with them, cruise on some of the best waters in the UK and take in the view, which even included a playful pod of dolphins,” commented Owner & Managing Director, Dave Cockwell. “We experienced favourable weather conditions and were warmly welcomed by our host destinations.
“I would like to thank everyone who participated and helped to make the event run smoothly – from those who sailed with us and the harbour staff at Falmouth Haven, Dart Marina and Yarmouth Harbour who accommodated us on their pontoons, to the hospitality teams at our three venues, our generous sponsors, our photographers and videographers, and Cockwells’ staff who worked so hard behind the scenes to deliver a seamless event that was really appreciated by our guests.
“With our strong forward order book, family ethos and continuous programme of investment in new facilities and staff, we are ideally placed to tap into new markets, both at home and across the world, and build even more of our bespoke leisure and commercial craft for a discerning clientele.”
For further information about Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding, visit cockwells.co.uk
