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

With record temperatures in Weymouth and Portland, we thought we'd write this blog for the benefit of our clients who are new to the area and have recently bought from us and stayed moored in Weymouth or Portland.
 
There are many ports locally and further afield within an achievable 3-4 hours, 20 knot passage, but we feel these are the realistic places to go below:
 
Lulworth Cove – Distance 7 miles. Time to get there 20 minutes
 
A perfect anchorage and a beautiful cove which is excellent in all winds apart from direct southerlies. Jump in to the crystal clear waters for a swim ashore to grab your self an ice cream or lean back and take in the fresh Jurassic air and relax.
 
Just around the corner and less than a mile away we have Mupe bay and Worbarrow bay, which are the locals secret hide away anchorages and ideal for those wanting a peaceful BBQ on the beach. But beware that the Lulworth ranges fire in term time Monday to Friday, so weekends make it ideal.
 
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight – Distance 40 miles. Time to get there 2 hours
 
Take in the breath taking scenery making your final approach passed the Isle of Wight Needles light house towards Hurst castle and in to the Solent. Yarmouth is in our minds a small traditional British town for those wanting to step back in time a little. A favourite destination for the Solent yachts provides a great social atmosphere with great bars and restaurants. If you are in to music festivals then why not moor up here and see Bestival on the 5th – 8th September. Further afield and only 30 minutes from Yarmouth why not visit Beaulieu and Cowes.
 
Guernsey Channel Islands – Distance 73 miles. Time to get there 3 hours 45 minutes
 
Across the English Channel and dodging the container vessels, which is easy enough, (keep at right angles across the traffic separation scheme, if you decide to venture in to it) visit Alderney for lunch, a simple moor up to a buoy and water taxis ashore is a welcome break to all the crew.
 
Venturing on to Guernsey and trying to keep up with Condor ferries, St Peter Port is packed with plenty of history and is certainly on many wish lists as a destination, a challenge for some and very rewarding trip will cement passage making confidence for a long time.
 
Plenty to do nearby on the boat and lots of little anchorages around the Island Of Herm and Sark. Jersey is only an hour and a half away.
 
Visit our T62 blog for this particular trip.
 
Dartmouth – Distance 52 miles. Time to get there 2 hours 30 minutes
 
Deep in to the Devon territory, soak up the utterly stunning scenery of the English Riviera, final approaches past castles and forts rounding the corner to a beautiful, sheltered and hidden port with all the facilities needed. Come at the right time and see the Dartmouth Regatta at the end of August and celebrate in style watching the fireworks from your own platform whilst sipping a delightful glass of champagne.

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