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 is often over looked by many what the rules state with regards to marine pollution and what we can and can not allow in the waters around the UK.
 
The IMO (International Maritime Organisation) created what we refer to as MARPOL (The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), which covers issues such as sewage, oil and general waste.
 
For detailed information on the IMO's MARPOL please visit:
 
 
For details on The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Garbage) Regulations 1988 visit:
 
 
Vessels over 12m (39' 4") are required to carry placards to notify passengers and crew of waste disposal. Any vessel carrying more than 15 people are required under the rules to have a waste management plan and a log-book if they are travelling abroad.
 
Any oil at all exceeding 15 parts per million is completely forbidden. What we mean by 15ppm is an oil smear or residue on the water.  Vessels over 24 metres are also required to have on-board antifoul declaration.
 
What is an interesting area of discussion for some is the understanding of what to do with black water (toilet waste that contains harmful bacteria and viruses) and grey water (sink, shower, washing machine water).
 
The MARPOL regulations under chapter VI currently does not state the legal requirement of a holding tank for pleasure vessels in coastal regions, however, vessels over 400gt or carrying more than 15 passengers are required to have them fitted.
 
Regulations with regards to waste disposal are increasing globally, in the UK "The Green Blue" was created, the link below is an interesting read:
 
 
Visiting yacht men and women to others countries such as France are required to comply with their state regulations and in some cases such as the baltic you are required to fit a holding tank and not discharge any waste of any nature.
 
For more information on the topics please visit:
 

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