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

It’s not easy gaining peoples trust, it takes hard work and honesty and over time you hope to gain the trust and respect of your clients and peers. Justin and I have worked damn hard over the last 12 years to build up JD Yachts reputation, it’s the most important part of the business to us and you can’t help it being personal. It’s not something you can detach yourself from when you build a company up from the ground, it is our lively hood and we never take it for granted.
 
We realised early on it was not enough for us to be just brokers that facilitate the seller and the buyer through a purchase as there is so much more to do than that for our clients. We board so many boats and the first impression to the client is of disappointment, as with all things time and use will show with wear and tear on boats of 10 years or more, even with the most diligent of owners and light use will show signs of their age and this is where so many clients have to compromise, go smaller to get a newer feel or up the ever growing budget.
 
There is another way and that is to buy the right boat for your needs and upgrade and customise it to your specification and the end result is amazing, you get a fresh new interior up to date electronics and your choice in soft furnishings. You can peel back the years with updated cockpit upholstery, new graphics, decals and brand badges that have faded, refurbished gel coat and teak and new dash board panels, recovered helm seats in your choice of soft nappa leather. All of this can be estimated before the purchase is completed to make sure it fits your budget. We are finding that with the clients that know and have heard of our reputation for detail and have put their trust in the work we have carried out on their behalf are ending up with the boat that they wanted, with the life breathed back in to them at the budget they wanted to spend.
 
Here we have a Fairline Squadron 58 we finished on behalf of our client this week, delivered to his home berth by sea with him at the helm. The difference the updates he has chosen is shown clearly in the footage. Our client put his trust in us to find him a Fairline Squadron 58 for a budget that would allow for the updates and be ready for the coming season, he achieved that on all levels and we wish him and his family the best of times on board.
 
If you are not finding the boat that fits your needs and budget and would like help stop by the office or give us a call.
 

News Archive

Tweets by JD Yachts

logo

Approved members of
  • 80 The Esplanade
  • Weymouth
  • Dorset
  • DT4 7AA
+44 (0) 1305 766 504 sales@jdyachts.com

The personal information you have provided will help us to deliver, develop and promote our products and services. Please read our privacy policy for further information on how we protect and manage your submitted data and how you may opt-out at any time in the future.

Copyright © 2025 JD Yachts. All Rights Reserved.