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 have just completed an interior refit to refresh this wonderful 1996 Fairline Squadron 43, the perfect combination of 3 cabins in under 15m. Already updated navigation, satellite TV, air conditioning and Eberspacher heating, the only sign that gave her age away was the original interior, sporting the classic aqua green trim beige leather and shag pile carpet of the 90s. Our client knew the model well as his father had owned the very same model and it was a perfect choice for the fantastic cruising grounds that his native home of Norway has to offer. Our client left her in our hands to carry out the works we had discussed that would enhance the boats comfort and sale ability.
 
 
We project managed the replacement of the leather interior in the saloon, we changed the green trim to a lovely mocha Alcantara in all the cabins and replaced the carpet throughout to a Berber cream (as the new Fairline’s sport today) and had bespoke aluminium venetian blinds made in gunmetal in the saloon and heads. The outcome was stunning and the new owner could not believe his eyes when he came last weekend to take delivery and sail her back with his good friends to Norway.
 
Below are some before and after shots that show just what you can achieve, we carry out this sort of work and project manage the whole process, communicating with our clients on samples and estimates whilst keeping to agreed deadlines.
 
We are very fortunate that over the years we have built up the experience and collective co-op of tradesman here in Weymouth and Portland to carry out updates and complete refits in an under cover unit or on the hard. We also have the ability to lift up to 320 tons, so size is never an issue!
 
 
Saloon Before
 
 
Saloon After
 
 
Starboard Guest Cabin
 
 
Master Cabin Before
 
 
Master Cabin After
 
 
We are lucky to meet and become friends with our clients from all around Europe and we always have great respect for our clients that take on their own deliveries, below is a short video of our client leaving on his adventure home to Norway we wish him and his crew a safe and happy trip home.
 

News Archive

Tweets by JD Yachts

logo

Approved members of
  • 80 The Esplanade
  • Weymouth
  • Dorset
  • DT4 7AA
+44 (0) 1305 766 504 sales@jdyachts.com

The personal information you have provided will help us to deliver, develop and promote our products and services. Please read our privacy policy for further information on how we protect and manage your submitted data and how you may opt-out at any time in the future.

Copyright © 2025 JD Yachts. All Rights Reserved.