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

We like to bring everyone up to date with the latest news and this week there are changes to the RYA / MCA Short range VHF DSC Marine Radio course with effect from the 2nd January 2014.
 
The brief summary of changes is below:
 
Classroom training will increase to ten hours (as defined in the CEPT regulations) with up to three hours guided self-learning allowed, bringing down the course time to 7 hours if needed.
 
A VHF DSC book will be provided prior to the course starting.
 
The assessor has up until now been allowed to teach and assess, but from the 2nd January 2014 the course will be taught by the SRC Instructor and a separate assessor will be brought in to examine the same candidate.
 
Under 16’s are not eligible to take the exam but this doesn’t stop them from attending the course.
 
Only original application forms will be accepted and not photo copies.
 
Someone is eligible to take the exam directly if:
 
  • They have attended a classroom training course and have the exam application signed by the SRC instructor
  • They have completed the RYA interactive online course, and have in hand the unique completion number
  • They currently have a restricted VHF Certificate of competence; the number of the certificate will be noted on the application form.
 
COMPETITION
 
JD Yachts have partnered with the RYA and their training centre and will be offering the interactive courses online in the New Year and to highlight the importance of this we are giving away this course for free for two people only, subject to the correct answer to the following question:
 
Having a VHF DSC Certificate of Competence is a legal requirement in the UK and internationally. You will also require a Ships Radio License for your fixed VHF DSC, which has to also be registered online, but with which Independent Regulator and Competition Authority?
 
Answers and contact details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Two names will be picked out of a hat and the winner contacted.
 
LIMITED OFFER
 
Finally why not take advantage by attending the VHF DSC course before the 2nd January before it gets complicated and expensive with a 20% discount. RRP £140 each, down to £112 each (plus the license fee of £30 each).

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