Cockwells’ Hardy 45 European awarded accolade at Motor Boat Awards 2026
29 January 2026

Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding has been awarded Highly Commended for its Hardy 45 European at the Motor Boat Awards 2026, hosted by Motor Boat & Yachting.


Nominated in the Passagemakers category, this latest model in Cockwells’ versatile range of Hardy Motor Yachts was honoured at an awards ceremony, which took place at Hotel Kö59 in Düsseldorf.

The Hardy 45 European delivers exceptional performance across diverse marine environments, whether navigating inland waterways or cruising offshore at up to 28 knots.

Based on the classic Hardy 42 hull, renowned for its seakeeping capabilities, this craft effortlessly combines the rugged dependability of the Hardy range with all the contemporary comforts and technologies of a modern motor yacht.

With her expansive aft deck helm, luxurious saloon and galley, full beam owner’s stateroom, aft and comfortable double forward guest cabin, stylish saloon and separate living quarters, the Hardy 45 provides an elegant home-from-home for adventurous ocean passages or meandering rivers and canals, with ergonomically-designed personal space and every practicality for all aboard.


The awards ceremony occurred during boot Düsseldorf, which is the largest yacht and watersports show in the world, attracting 200,000 visitors from 110 countries and more than 1,500 exhibitors from 67 nations in 16 exhibition halls.

In accordance with a strict set of criteria, all the vessels that were shortlisted in the Motor Boat Awards 2026 had previously undergone thorough sea trials by Motor Boat & Yachting’s experts who then judged each one on design, ability and value for money in their chosen market place.

The judges commented specifically on the quality of the Hardy 45 European’s design and build, and highlighted its ideal suitability for both ocean crossings and inland cruising.

Cockwells’ Founder and Sales & Technical Director, Dave Cockwell and Marketing Director, Jo Cockwell, accompanied by Design Director, Henry Ward and Project Management Team Assistant, Clara Zoellner attended the awards ceremony to accept this accolade.

We are proud to have been shortlisted amongst some of the top motorboat brands in the global marine industry, and to be recognised by our peers. We were also delighted to return to boot Düsseldorf following our debut last year to explore new markets, extend our reach and exhibit our acclaimed Duchy 35, which was crowned winner of the Wheelhouse and Cockpit Cruisers category at the Motor Boat Awards 2018. This year’s event was a success for us, with plenty of leads generated, and it is clear that our brand of Duchy Motor Launches has begun to be recognised across Europe and the wider world!

Dave Cockwell. Founder and Sales & Technical Director at Cockwells

For further information about Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding, visit cockwells.co.uk