Last Friday the final massive oak frame was raised into place on the 60-foot centre-line of the new St Mawes traditional wooden passenger ferry being built by Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilding. The team at Cockwells invited the St. Mawes Ferry company to their boat yard in Falmouth to celebrate the completion of this stage of the build.

The new St Mawes ferry taking shape at Cockwells Yard 

“This is the first wooden ferry that has been built in this area for a very long time and it is fascinating to be at the forefront of this project and watch every stage of the build. ” says Tim Light Managing Director of St Mawes Ferry Company. “I am also delighted that this build project has enabled Cockwells to develop their apprenticeship programme with support from the Cornwall Marine Network, which means we are playing a big part in creating more new job opportunities and training for the local people.”

...build project has enabled Cockwells to develop their apprenticeship programme with support from the Cornwall Marine Network...

Cockwells are proud to have been selected by St. Mawes Ferry Company to build this new vessel designed to carry up to 100 passengers. “We are extremely pleased to be working with St. Mawes Ferry Company on this project, this is further proof that traditional wood construction can make commercial sense. It is a great compliment that they recognise our skills in traditional boatbuilding. At Cockwells we specialise in wooden boatbuilding both modern and classic and we have seen a real increase in peoples’ desire for wooden boats over the last few years.

It is great to see that the commercial as well as the leisure market appreciates the benefits of building boats with wood. We love working with local customers, as it is so satisfying to see our boats sailing in local waters for many years to come. Currently, we are receiving a high level of interest in our bespoke wooden boats so I anticipate we will be on the lookout for some more skilled Boatbuilders and joiners in the very near future” states Dave Cockwell owner of Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilders.

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