The art of the possible, the thrill of the chase

By Jilly Easterby Acclaimed British boatbuilder, Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding imbues the art of the possible with new meaning when it comes to meeting the precise requirements of its discerning clientele. From the sublime luxury and contemporary chic of the award-winning Titian Tender to the classic lines and elegant form of T/T Malahne, both are superb examples of Cockwells’ artistry, which underscores the skill of the artisan shipwright with technological innovation, outstanding performance and refined style. Combining durable composites with the resilience of yellow cedar and the sleekness of teak, the custom Titian Tender is a modern masterpiece with her copper-infused caulking, silk panels adorned with original fine art and bespoke carpentry. From specifically-cast stainless steel fittings, a virtual anchor and the hugely manoeuvrable twin jet drive to the dynamic positioning of the touchscreen-operated digital switching system, the Corian® and copper galley, and the automated Bimini cover, the Titian Tender is finished to superyacht standards and demonstrates Cockwells’ matchless capacity for delivering one-of-a-kind custom builds. But the head-turning Titian Tender has another story to tell.

A previous winner of the Pre-1980s category of the Concours d’Elégance at the Cannes Yachting Festival and a Highly Commended in the Superboats category of the 2019 Motor Boat of the Year Awards, the ultra-luxurious Titian Tender is no stranger to the limelight. This glamorous synthesis of speed and style has recently starred in international fashion brand, Michael Kors’ promotional campaign for its Fall 2022 collection and can be seen in all her splendour, speeding along the River Thames. Michael Kors’ new feature film – directed by Baron Films – and associated advertising campaign, The Thrill of the Chase, are set in London and show ultimate jet-setter, Bella Hadid leading Alton Mason to new heights in a case of mistaken identity.

‘At Cockwells, nothing is impossible,’ explains Founder & Managing Director, Dave Cockwell. ‘When Michael Kors contacted us to ask if they could hire the Titian Tender for this ad campaign, we relished the opportunity of partnering with such a prestigious luxury brand and are delighted with the result.’ The bespoke tender that Cockwells created for the restored 50m motor yacht, Malahne, to a design by G L Watson, turns heads in a different way and demonstrates attention to detail that is up above and way beyond. To complement the look and feel of the mothership, T/T Malahne was designed with the spirit of the 1930s in mind with her varnished Brazilian mahogany hull and deck, quilted maple veneer trimming, strip-planked yellow cedar hull and chrome fittings cast from period originals. Striking the perfect balance between classical elegance and up-to-the-minute technology, T/T Malahne can reach a speed of 35 knots courtesy of her 258hp Steyr engine, and transports up to eight guests and crew in style. What’s more, she is for sale. ‘After serving megayacht, Malahne well for the past eight years, her owners have commissioned a larger tender from Cockwells that will match the look and feel of the original but include more seating and a bigger engine for faster guest transfer,’ adds Dave Cockwell. This illustrious Cornish boatyard not only has its finger on the pulse of current trends, wants and needs. The company has its focus firmly on the future too. Cockwells recently revealed a futuristic new concept at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show – for Alte Volare, a 12m Hydrofoil Limousine Tender. ‘Utilising a fully electric drivetrain and retractable foiling technology to provide a quiet and comfortable ride, this limousine uses 80% less energy than a non-foiling hull at a fast-cruising speed,’ explains Design Director, Henry Ward. ‘With striking styling and an ingenious layout that befits such a cutting-edge craft, this is a tender like no other.’

Folding midship boarding steps lead you into the centre cockpit area. Forward is comfortable bow seating for five guests with a removable infill cushion providing a large sun pad. Aft of the centre cockpit is the stylish, airy saloon with inward-facing seating for up to eight guests. Large wrap-over side glass creates a light and open feel, and twin reclined loungers at the rear of the boat provide an immersive view through a full aft picture window. ‘Whether you require an electric limousine, a high-performance sports boat, a modular utility craft, a semi-custom crew RIB or a chase vessel, our tenders are the ultimate piece of kit for busy owners and crew,’ concludes Dave Cockwell. ‘Pushing the boundaries of the possible when it comes to construction, electronics and engineering, we fuse advanced techniques and modern materials with intelligent design and exquisite craftsmanship to create unique tenders that complement motherships, personalities and lifestyles. As one of the largest and most well-established tender builders in the industry, we take flexibility, ingenuity and flair to a higher plane and stop at nothing to deliver exactly what our clients want in every aspect.’ For further information, visit cockwells.co.uk