AIS becomes more affordable

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

Here at JD Yachts we're always researching and using technology and we often come across some real gems, so we thought we'd share some of our finds.

Up this week is MarineTraffic and AIS.

More and more boats are being fitted with AIS as the cost of Class B transponders has dropped, there are a couple of transponders now on the market priced at under £500. Not only is there the safety benefit of being able to see AIS equipped vessels up to 20 nm within the range of your boat, as well as them seeing you, it can also be useful for keeping in touch with your friends whilst cruising.

You can use MarineTraffic to see where boats are currently located and even see their route history and other useful information. The site works through a tablet, but the mobile app could be a wise purchase if you find it useful. It's even possible to upload your own location without an AIS transponder installed with their mAIS self-reporting app for iPhone and Android. Bear in mind this isn't an AIS replacement, as MarineTraffic is the only place you will see your boat if you use the mAIS app, other vessels will not see you via AIS frequencies! An internet connection (3G or WiFi) is also required, but the bandwidth usage is very low.

If you're thinking of fitting AIS equipment, give us a call on 0845 8 125 126 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll be happy to help with advice and getting the best price possible.