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Building the New Ferry :: The Duchess of Cornwall

In 2007 we commissioned the build of a brand new 59ft wooden ferry, The Duchess of Cornwall, for use on our year-round service between Falmouth and St Mawes.  The Duchess was built by Cockwells Modern & Classic Boat Building in Penryn constructed out of wood using traditional methods and materials and can carry up to 100 passengers.

"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" said Tim Light Managing Director of St Mawes Ferry Company. "I am also delighted that this 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 job opportunities for local people".

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall visited St Mawes on Friday July 11 2008 to name the new St Mawes Ferry ''The Duchess of Cornwall'' and both took it in turns to drive the ferry over to Falmouth.

They then both boarded the new ferry and unveiled the name plaque – which was covered with a Cornish St Piran’s flag – before they enjoyed a 20-minute trip from St Mawes across the harbour to Falmouth’s Prince of Wales Pier. And it was while crossing the Carrick Roads that the pair took it in turns to take the wheel and drive the new ferry.

During the crossing, The Duke and Duchess also learnt more about how the ferry was built using traditional methods and materials by Cockwells Modern and Classic Boat Building of Penryn. They also met directors of Cornwall Ferries Limited to find out why they decided to take the challenging step to build a new wooden ferry from scratch; the boat builders who rose to the two-year challenge, employing apprentices specifically for the build along the way; and finally the crew who had a significant imput into the design of the new ferry after years skippering the ferries between Falmouth and St Mawes.

Garrick Royle, operations manager for Cornwall Ferries said: “We are delighted with the way the whole morning went. The new ferry looks lovely and we were all surprised when they both expressed an interest in taking the wheel. They seemed very relaxed and were obviously enjoying the trip and looking forward to the rest of their day."

New Ferry Diary

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