Reminder for boaters using red diesel abroad

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

6._Lifestyle.jpg

Belgium still a risk for UK boaters using red diesel

If you're planning to sail to the Continent this season, the regulations covering the use of red diesel by leisure craft have not changed and you may still risk heavy fines from the Belgian authorities if found with red diesel in your fuel tanks.

Whilst it is still legal to purchase red diesel for use in pleasure craft in the UK, this is not the case in most other EU countries.

The onus is on the vessel's owner to prove that the fuel was bought legally in the UK and with the summer cruising season fast-approaching, recreational boaters are reminded to heed the following advice:

Keep receipts for diesel purchased in the UK, to prove that it was bought in the UK, and request that your retailer marks them "duty paid"
Log the date of refuelling and engine hours to reinforce these records
Do not carry red diesel anywhere other than in their craft's main fuel storage tanks
Do not purchase red diesel in a country where the purchasing of rebated fuel by leisure craft is prohibited by law

Both the French and Dutch authorities have confirmed that visiting craft can have red diesel in their tanks if bought legally in the UK.

In 2010 and 2011, boating in Belgian waters with marked 'red' diesel in your fuel tanks put you at risk of receiving a significant fine. Since then the Belgian Authorities appeared to have become more tolerant of UK boaters using red diesel and the risk of being fined seemed to have reduced.

However, the RYA recently received a report that suggests the stance of the Belgian Authorities may be hardening and the risk of being fined for boating in Belgian waters with marked red diesel in your fuel tanks may therefore be increasing.

Source: rya.org