The genesis of Dockrell Yachts Ltd. is deeply intertwined with the Anglophile sensibilities of its founder, John B. Dockrell. Initially, J.B. Dockrell Inc. of Parsippany, New Jersey, USA, served as the American agent for Hurley Marine, a British boat builder. John Dockrell, known for his appreciation of all things British, imported a substantial number of Hurley yachts into the North American market, where most Hurley boats built in the UK were exported Provided, 9.
Dockrell's entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to commission his own designs. He initiated the creation of 17-foot and 22-foot models, both featuring lifting keels, tailored by an American designer to appeal to the market. These early boats, though their specific construction materials aren't detailed, represented Dockrell's initial foray into boat manufacturing under his own brand [Provided. The Dockrell 17 commenced production around 1975, and the Dockrell 22 followed in 1980.
Around 1972, a significant turning point occurred when John Dockrell acquired the redundant moulds for the Sparkman & Stephens S&S38. Recognizing the quality of British craftsmanship, he made the strategic decision to relocate these moulds across the Atlantic, establishing a factory in Tavistock, Devon, England, approximately ten miles inland from Plymouth Provided, 8. This move firmly rooted Dockrell Yachts Ltd. as a British boat builder, producing both the newly acquired S&S designs and his existing models, such as the Dockrell 22 [Provided.
History and Evolution
The history of Dockrell Yachts Ltd. is characterized by a blend of original designs and the astute acquisition and adaptation of existing successful moulds. The most notable example of this evolution is the journey of the iconic Dockrell 27. This popular cruiser began its life as the Bowman 26, a GRP version of the timber "Sirius" designed by Ian Anderson for the Normand Boatyard Provided, 8. After a brief period as the "Longbowman 26," it became simply the Bowman 26. When Bowman Yachts transitioned to designing larger, more prestigious vessels, the 26-foot moulds were transferred to Hurley Marine, becoming the Hurley 27 [Provided.
Hurley Marine commissioned Ian Anderson to revise the Hurley 27's coachroof to provide more headroom and raise the topsides, enhancing its dryness and making it a well-regarded sailing vessel with a traditional long keel Provided, 20. However, Hurley Marine closed its doors in 1974. It was then that Dockrell Yachts Ltd. acquired the Hurley 27 moulds [Provided.
John Dockrell personally undertook further revisions to the design, leading to the creation of the Dockrell 27. His modifications included another change to the coachroof, an open-plan interior layout, and a cutter rig with a self-tacking staysail [Provided. Crucially, Dockrell significantly altered the keel, reducing the draft of the long keel and bolting an iron wing keel ballast block to the hull. This innovation was particularly effective for the shallower waters of the East Coast of the USA, though it was less suited for the deeper, rougher waters around the UK coast Provided, 18, 28.
Production of the Dockrell 27 continued at the Tavistock factory until 1991 [Provided. Unfortunately, the company, like many other British builders of the era, eventually succumbed to the pressures of a changing market, as cheaper German and French yachts began to dominate, challenging British manufacturers who had not adapted quickly enough [Provided. Some sources indicate production might have continued until around 1995 for certain models.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Dockrell Yachts cultivated a reputation for producing sturdy, practical cruising yachts that offered a comfortable and forgiving sailing experience. The company's identity was rooted in offering boats that combined traditional lines with features adapted for contemporary needs. Their original 17-foot and 22-foot designs were noted for their lifting keels, a feature that provided versatility for exploring shallower waters [Provided.
The Dockrell 27, arguably their most well-known model, showcased this adaptability. While maintaining a robust, long-keeled hull form, John Dockrell's modifications, especially the innovative wing keel, demonstrated a willingness to adapt designs for specific market requirements Provided, 28. This particular feature made the Dockrell 27 well-suited for coastal cruising in areas with limited draft. The move towards open-plan interiors also reflected a pragmatic approach to maximizing internal volume and usability for cruising families [Provided.
Although Dockrell Yachts primarily adapted existing designs, they collaborated with notable naval architects indirectly through their acquisition of moulds. The Sparkman & Stephens S&S38 moulds brought the design prowess of one of the most influential American naval architecture firms into the Dockrell stable [Provided. Similarly, the lineage of the Dockrell 27 directly involved the work of British designer Ian Anderson, who was responsible for the original Bowman 26 and the Hurley 27 modifications [Provided. C. Holman and D. Pye were also associated with earlier Bowman designs [Provided.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The Dockrell range, though not extensive, featured several models that gained a loyal following. The key models included the Dockrell 17, Dockrell 22, Dockrell 27, and the larger Dockrell 37 (based on the S&S 38 moulds).
- Dockrell 17: A compact monohull, the 17-footer was introduced in 1975. It was known for being stable, simple, and forgiving, making it a good choice for teaching and general leisure.
- Dockrell 22: Entering production in 1980, the Dockrell 22 (21'9") was built in Tavistock and sold well. It was available in fixed, lifting, and twin keel versions, with many also sold as kits, appealing to a broader market. These were regarded as strong, safe boats for both sea and river use.
- Dockrell 27: Without a doubt, the Dockrell 27 is the most recognized vessel produced by the company. Its lineage through the Bowman 26 and Hurley 27, coupled with John Dockrell's distinctive modifications—especially the wing keel for shallow water performance—made it a unique and practical cruiser [Provided. Production continued for many years, highlighting its sustained popularity [Provided.
While Dockrell Yachts did not engage in high-profile racing projects like the America's Cup, its impact lies in providing accessible, well-built cruising yachts that offered value and reliable performance for everyday sailors.
The Builder Today
Dockrell Yachts Ltd. ceased production around 1991, with some models potentially continuing until 1995 [Provided. The company's closure was attributed to the rising tide of more competitively priced yachts from Germany and France, which British builders struggled to match at the time [Provided.
Despite its formal closure, the legacy of Dockrell Yachts endures through the many vessels that still sail today. These boats continue to appeal to owners who value their robust construction, forgiving nature, and often practical layouts. A testament to this lasting appeal is the active and vibrant "Dockrell Yacht Owners Association" (dockrell.com), which serves as a hub for current owners to share information, discuss maintenance, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. This strong owner community ensures that the history and spirit of Dockrell Yachts continue to be celebrated, cementing its place in the annals of British yacht building.
