Delivery from Corsica to Marseille France

A Farewell and Heartfelt Thank You from JD Yachts

After 25 extraordinary years, JD Yachts will be closing its doors.

This has not been an easy decision—but it’s one we’ve made with deep reflection and immense pride in all that we’ve achieved. We set out to build a company grounded in trust, transparency, and a passion for getting people on the water. We believe we’ve done just that.

To our clients—some of whom have been with us from the very beginning—we owe everything. Your unwavering support and trust shaped our journey. Many of you returned to us time and again for your boating needs, and that loyalty became the foundation of our business. We’re honoured to have helped so many families and individuals realise their dreams of yachting across the UK and the Mediterranean.

To our industry colleagues, tradespeople, and the marinas who welcomed and supported our work—you made this possible. The collaborative spirit and shared commitment to excellence within the marine sector gave JD Yachts its wings. We always sought to drive business back into local trades and infrastructures, and we’re proud to have played a part in sustaining that ecosystem.

To our dedicated team—Toby Hawkins and Isabella O’Leary—thank you for your incredible contribution, professionalism, and commitment to our shared mission. You’ve been integral to our journey and success.

A special thank you to our families for your constant support, patience, and belief in us—especially through the demanding times. JD Yachts has always been about more than just boats; it’s been about people, partnerships, and heart.

The current business climate, especially for SMEs in the marine sector, has become increasingly complex and challenging—particularly in relation to post-Brexit trade regulations and the double taxation of vessels between the UK and EU. These conditions have made it nearly impossible to scale sustainably or operate competitively abroad. We believe it’s important to acknowledge how much the industry has changed—and how vital it is to protect what was once a thriving cornerstone of Britain’s maritime heritage.

As we close this chapter, we do so with enormous gratitude for every client, colleague, and friend we’ve met along the way. The memories, the adventures, and the trust you placed in us will stay with us forever.

Thank you for letting JD Yachts be part of your story. We are proud of the legacy we leave behind.

With heartfelt thanks,

Darren & Justin

Off Canvas

Captains log

Arrive Corsica with a 30-minute drive to the marina south of Bastia, we leave the mooring on a steady bearing of 010 degrees, a refuel on the North Eastern tip of Corsica lunch double check the forecasts. It appears the unpredictable Mistral winds are rapidly approaching and our proposed direct route from the tip of Corsica heading west to France would not be favourable with the elements on our nose. We decide on a safer route heading slightly north easterly towards Italy.

Gorgona, Italy

We round two Italian Islands making good progress hearing the wind safety announcements on VHF for the North West of Corsica, we are pleased to be following our current route.

We arrive at Imperia Marina, Italy. The following day we set off in a little swell but in the shelter of land, hugging the Rivera coast, the afternoon was going to be interesting as we passed St Tropez and Cannes, the Squadron 58 powering along perfectly cutting in to the rising swell. Rounding the corner of the southern peninsular of France, the winds increased and along with the wave heights, we reduced our speed and called it a day in Toulon. The Mistral winds were here to stay for two days, we chose to stay put in port for the weather to calm.

A couple of days later after the Force 8’s had ceased, we pulled out of Toulon to calm seas, with a final 60 nautical miles to cover.

Maintaining a good watch we navigated in to the traffic separation scheme outside of Marseille in to the shallow waters leading to the Port Napoleon.