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

The British summer has finally arrived and we are busy with new listings, delivering them to Weymouth to be sold on our brokerage berths. This week our Captain Ben Harris saw the opportunity to bring over a stunning Sealine F43 from Brixham on a perfect sunny, flat calm day.
 
Ben recalls his delivery from his log:
 
"We arrived safely to Brixham marina via taxi, passing all the holiday traffic that is now building in the south west. A check-in to the marina office to sign the appropriate paper work and hand over of keys. A short walk to the vessel on the eastern pontoons to find a beautifully polished and immaculately clean Sealine F43 was waiting for us.
 
I went about my start up pre delivery inspections in the engine room, noting along the way that the engines look very well maintained and amazed that the bilges are so clean. She started perfectly with no struggle or hesitation.
 
My crew and I then prepare and talk about the delivery in detail, marking our routes on to the chart and marking our passage plan with our shore contacts and starting the ships log entries in accordance with the SOLAS V regulations.
 
We depart Brixham happy that the hull is clean, we increase the revs up to speed and cruise on a bearing of 87 degrees, due east, and the visibility is 20 miles or more. Maintaining a good look out we apply the sun cream, sitting on the fly bridge.
 
The journey across Lyme Bay seemed quick as we carried out our duties, checking our location with soundings, GPS, Radar and 3 point fixes looking through the compass binoculars, also spotting Portland Rescue helicopter moving quickly beneath the cliffs of Portland.
 
Rounding the Bill of Portland was challenging as we had strong spring tides against us, the fishing pots pushed hard under water making them difficult to spot, but the Sealine handled well in a slalom type manner missing everything.
 
Finals in to Weymouth and mooring alongside JD Yachts brokerage berths was effortless."

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