The award-winning 59m Camper & Nicolson classic, Marala, restored at Pendennis in 2022 with her Cockwells custom built tender alongside. Photo: Stuart Pearce/Yacht Shot

Pendennis Shipyard has taken a majority interest in Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding.

Cockwells and Pendennis have worked together for many years with a number of Pendennis superyachts having commissioned Cockwells’ highly customised tenders.

Both companies are known for their track record in developing a multi-talented workforce, for innovation, apprentice training and excellence in all aspects of yacht building and will work together to continue to develop their in-house teams.

The Pendennis Group consists of Pendennis Shipyard, a dedicated superyacht service facility in Falmouth; a Mediterranean marina and Technical Service Centre near Barcelona – Pendennis Vilanova – and a luxury bespoke interior manufacturer, Norfolk Interiors.

MD, Toby Allies, said: “Cockwells shares many of the values that are integral to the Pendennis Group and serves many of the same customers and contacts. Partnering with Cockwells will expand Pendennis’ offer to our client base within the superyacht sector.

“Cockwells’ activity complements our core group strategy and with the company’s strong forward order book and ambitious plans for expansion, we are excited to welcome Cockwells to the Pendennis Group.”

Cockwells will continue to operate independently with the existing management team headed by MD, Dean Short, with founder Dave Cockwell retaining his role of sales and technical director.

With the company now building Duchy and Hardy semi-production vessels as well as bespoke, luxurious superyacht tenders, global demand for Cockwells’ boats is increasing.

Cockwell said: “Over the past 28 years, we have grown from renting a tiny space in Underfall Boatyard in Bristol with one apprentice, to operating three sites in Cornwall with more than 140 employees.

“I am delighted that we are joining forces with the Pendennis Group. With the backing of an established global superyacht brand, Cockwells will grow further and meet the demands of our ever-increasing client base.”

Financial terms were not disclosed.