First Winter? Checks & Tips

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

If this is your first winter boating, you may have your concerns on winterising, there are so many different rules of thought on how best to keep your boat safe and out of harm’s way during the winter months and there are practical things you should do regardless to ensure peace of mind.

First Winter Checks and Tips

In my opinion, if you’re not a winter boater the best plan is to have your pride and joy lifted out and placed on the hard standing in your marina, have the engines winterised, a dehumidifier placed on board and all the outside cushions and covers stored inside and shrink wrap the superstructure. This save's your covers from being damaged, the grime and dirt from gathering over the winter, your engines safe from any dangerous drops in water temperature and the many sleepless nights thinking ‘did I put the centre pole in the cockpit cover?’ Then a 2 hour drive to the marina to check, having to bail out the duck pond that has formed in your cockpit cover.

Boat Shrink Wrapping

It’s not a practice we have taken to here in the UK unlike colder climate countries as our winters generally are shorter and temperatures rarely drop below but I think that is changing and our mind sets should also, to save ourselves unnecessary repair bills in the spring. If you are going to boat all year round, and why not, a simple dehumidifier on board and heaters in the engine room is still best practice in our opinion.

If this is your first winter and you have any concerns or questions pop by the office or give us a call.