POWER and MOTORYACHT reviews the 2026 Cockwells Duchy 35

There is a certain silhouette that just belongs in the harbors of New England. We know it well—the classic lines, the Downeast soul, and the promise of a smooth ride even when the water gets choppy. 

But recently, a newcomer has been turning heads at the docks, bringing a refined British sensibility to our familiar waters. 

The Duchy 35, built by the boutique English shipyard Cockwells, recently made its U.S. debut, and the team at Power & Motoryacht wasted no time getting it out for a sea trial. Editor-in-Chief Dan Harding took the helm in New England to see if this “British Downeast” could live up to the hype. 

Watch the Walkthrough: 

Why Power & Motor Yachts Loved It 

After an impressive sea trial, Power & Motor Yacht walked away highlighting a few standout features that make the Duchy 35 an exceptional day boat and weekender: 

• Unmatched Helm Comfort & Performance: Powered by twin 350-hp Yanmar engines, the boat handles beautifully. Harding noted that the entry through wakes is incredibly smooth and quiet, reaching a top end of 30 knots. It’s a boat where you can comfortably set the autopilot between 20 to 25 knots and cruise effortlessly all day in style. 

• True Seamanship & Build Quality: From the beefy, high handrails to the strategically placed handholds, it’s clear this is a “proper boat” built with excellent seamanship in mind. This particular hull is also heavily equipped for maximum comfort, featuring a SeaKeeper 3 gyro stabilizer, ZipWake interceptors, and a Fischer Panda generator. 

• The Perfect “Galley Up” Layout: The cockpit and salon blend seamlessly together via beautiful bi-fold doors that open the boat up completely. Harding highly recommends the “galley up” configuration for the U.S. market, which keeps the chef right in the center of the entertainment space. 

• Clever Multi-Use Spaces: The woodwork throughout is incredible. One favorite touch is the old-school British chart table at the companion seat—perfect for navigating or, as a modern touch, setting up a laptop to work remotely with the boat’s integrated Starlink system. 

Why We’re Watching Cockwells 

It isn’t often that a “new” brand feels this established. Cockwells has managed to capture the heritage of wooden boatbuilding and translate it into a modern, low-maintenance composite vessel that doesn’t lose its soul. 

For those who appreciate the craftsmanship of a Hinckley or the sturdiness of an Outbound, the Duchy 35 offers a fresh, sophisticated perspective on the 35-foot cruiser. 

Are you ready to see the Duchy 35 in person? 

Keep an eye on our upcoming Newport International Boatshow or contact us today to learn more about this modern classic.