For decades, the name Cookson Boats has been synonymous with high-performance sailing yachts, particularly on the international racing circuit. Hailing from New Zealand, this esteemed builder carved out a formidable reputation for precision engineering, innovative construction, and a relentless pursuit of speed, leaving an indelible mark on the global marine industry.
The Origin Story
The genesis of Cookson Boats traces back to the collaborative vision of Terrance (Terry) Cookson, a skilled shipwright who completed his apprenticeship in Liverpool, England, and his son, Mick Cookson. In 1974, they co-founded TP Cookson Boatbuilders in Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand, initially focusing on the construction of timber boats. Their dedication to craftsmanship laid the groundwork for what would become a world-renowned name in composite yacht building. The company ventured into composite racing yacht construction in 1979, marking a pivotal shift in its production capabilities.
History and Evolution
Cookson Boats' history is punctuated by a consistent drive towards high-performance and the adoption of advanced materials. While their early years saw them predominantly building timber vessels, the transition to composite materials was a key milestone, allowing them to excel in the competitive world of yacht racing.
A significant turning point arrived in 1977, which marked a "big break" for the company. Over the years, Cookson Boats developed a reputation for delivering a high standard of construction and was recognized as one of New Zealand's foremost boat builders. This commitment to quality and performance cemented their status as a top-end race boat builder for international regatta circuits.
Crucially, Cookson Boats played a vital role in New Zealand's America's Cup campaigns. Between 2000 and 2013, the yard was responsible for building all eight of Emirates Team New Zealand's America's Cup boats, a relationship that was instrumental in keeping the company in business during those years. Beyond America's Cup yachts, Cookson Boats also built the first Volvo Ocean 60, Virbac, further demonstrating their capabilities in offshore racing machines.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Cookson Boats was renowned for its specialization in high-performance, offshore racing yachts, superyachts, and cruisers, with capabilities to build vessels ranging from 36 to 100 feet. The builder's reputation was built on an excellent record of delivering world-class race boats, earning them a global reputation for their construction techniques. Their yachts were characterized by blistering speed potential and exceptional design.
The company collaborated with leading naval architects to bring their high-performance visions to life. Notably, they built "Frers" models, indicating collaborations with the acclaimed Argentine naval architect Germán Frers. They also worked with Juan Kouyoumdjian (Juan K) on projects like the 98-foot canting keel supermaxi Speedboat. Mick Cookson himself was involved in conceptualizing designs, such as the Cookson 50.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Among the most significant and successful models produced by Cookson Boats, the Cookson 50 stands out prominently. This model became exceptionally well-known for its high-performance characteristics, featuring innovative designs such as canting keels, and achieving "World's coolest yachts" status. The Cookson 39 also proved to be a highly competitive model. These models exemplified the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of yacht design and construction.
The company's legacy is firmly rooted in its contribution to professional yacht racing. Their involvement in the America's Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race, coupled with the success of their production and custom racing yachts, solidifies their position as a pivotal builder in the high-performance segment of the marine industry.
The Builder Today
Despite its illustrious past, Cookson Boats Ltd. faced significant challenges and, in late 2013/early 2014, announced its probable closure in March 2014, following the completion of its final two projects: a 52-footer and an 80-footer. This decision was largely influenced by the shift of Emirates Team New Zealand to building their boats in-house, which had been a key source of work for Cookson Boats.
While the physical boatbuilding operations may have ceased, the legacy of Cookson Boats endures through the many high-performance yachts still sailing and competing worldwide. These vessels continue to be sought after on the brokerage market, appealing to discerning owners who value precision engineering, robust construction, and proven race-winning capabilities. The boats built by Cookson retain a strong reputation for quality and performance, a testament to the vision and craftsmanship of Terry and Mick Cookson and their dedicated team.
