Duchy 27, MISS MIA

Broker’s Comments

Do the best things come in small packages? Not always – but some things are just intrinsically right from the get-go. Such is the wonderfully successful Duchy 27, originally cast as the Aquila 27 – a sweet-lined, semi-displacement motor launch drawn by Norfolk Broads-based Andrew Wolstenholme. A gradual synergy between draughtsman and builder prompted Mylor-based Cockwells to start moulding and crafting this plucky motor-yacht into the Duchy 27 – which launched in 2011 at the Southampton Boat Show to great critical, and customer, acclaim. She spawned the range of Cornish-built motor-yachts which now stretches through the 35 and up to the new 45 – living up to the name Modern and Classic Boatbuilding.

So why so popular? Well – she looks right from the offset – with a long, practical aft cockpit nestled around the central engine box (offering excellent all-round access to her beating heart). Boarding is very easy on that full-width bathing platform, and MISS MIA has useful extra handholds dotted around, to make her feel even more secure. Her side decks are a gentle step from her cockpit sole, and there is a solid full stainless-steel frame leading forward to her bows, with useful rails on her cabin top. Her owners have sensibly opted for the synthetic teak option on her decks and cockpit sole – so functional and providing excellent non-slip, with almost zero maintenance.

Underneath that practical Down-Easteresque superstructure is the second master-stroke – one small, but beautifully formed, wheelhouse – with adjustable chairs for helm and navigator, a clear and easily read console, opening overhead hatches and near all-round visibility. Of course, everything here is crafted as only Cockwells can, with smart storage spaces, first-rate materials, and exemplary attention to detail – such as the stout handhold by her companionway steps…

The companionway hatch slides smoothly open to reveal the interior of the 27, and again every cubic inch is well-used in this cosy cabin. MISS MIA has a custom-fit galley to port – equipped with a bespoke stainless-steel sink, twin burner gas hob for brews on the go, and a Bosch microwave for cooking on shore power. There is dedicated stowage here for a full set of Duchy crockery and mugs, plenty of light, ventilation, and exquisite detailing in the Burr Maple marquetry panels within the cabin joinery. She is of course centrally heated by Eberspacher’s diesel-fired system for those colder wintry mornings, and her forward sofa area transforms easily into a good-sized double berth. There is (of course) access through to her anchor locker, and she is clinically clean throughout.

A little further aft, there is storage to starboard, with a neatly proportioned separate heads compartment ensuring she is not just a practical dayboat. The head has a shower, electric-flushing Tecma marine WC, stowage, and a pull-out shower – all wrapped up in a well-moulded gel coated liner for maximum efficiency. There is even decent hanging space too – and a bin beneath the lower step – all very well thought-out and crisply executed.

With many upgrades in her specification, and updates over the earlier 27, this 2022 model has additional fuel and freshwater capacity, and she should be on your shopping list if you are after a Duchy. Her presentation is a complete credit to her Owners, who have hugely enjoyed her, and are looking to stretch their legs a little further. She is fully prepared and will be a joy for her next custodians to step into.

Owner’s Comments

“We ordered Miss Mia at the Southampton Boat Show in 2021 and took delivery of her in late June 2022.

Her maiden voyage (as part of the 2022 Cockwell’s Rally) went from Falmouth to Dartmouth, then Yarmouth (IoW) and finally to her home berth in Northney.

We have so greatly enjoyed our time with Miss Mia, but now we are finally retired with more leisure time available to us, we feel that the time is right for a larger boat, but still one from the Cockwell’s family !”