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 what started to be a normal delivery from Gosport to Weymouth on a stunning Sealine SC38 actually turned in to quite a fun and exciting day on the water. Below our Captain Ben Harris comments on his most recent delivery.
 
The Journey started with quite a lengthy train ride to Fareham, eagerly waiting outside the station was the client standing with his shades on smiling, leaning on his nice Mercedes. A firm hand shake and introduction to his family.  
 
Conversation started with the client’s son and learning about his interests in all things on the road, mainly his passion for cars.
 
On arrival to the marina, the family and I jumped on board their lovely Sealine SC38. A thorough check around the engine room then opened up the hard top at a flick of a switch, turned over the engines and she roared in to life!
 
Slow little passage to the marina next door to pick up some fuel and then we waited for the Sealift at Haslar Marina.
 
Gently driving her in to the lift, she was promptly lifted, sprayed down and anodes replaced, in preparation for our delivery to Weymouth.
 
  
 
Meanwhile, the client and I were chatting about how beautiful the boat was, then wife and son had disappeared only to return back 30 minutes later to say they were not coming on the trip and instead challenged us to a race back. Wife and son in the Mercedes and client and I in his 40 knot Sealine.
 
I must note at this stage that wife and son were running along the pontoon and we were still in the lift!
 
Passage plan done, boat sorted and we proceeded astern away from the lift and gently motored out in to the Solent. Now being a professional I was not going to thrash this boat from cold so we warmed her up in the usual manner and once the engine temps had reached normal readings we opened her up to a steady 34 knots.
 
We reached Cowes and passed rapidly down the western Solent. My client then phoning his wife to check on their progress, we opened her up a little more by a knot or 2, the tide with us we were flying! It was a scene out of one of the series of Top Gear and the only thing missing was the helicopter and Clarkson!
 
  
 
An hour later, with plenty of smiles, and 15 minute checks to see where our opponents were, we were approaching Anvil point and the race is still on! We were neck and neck, and we knew the Mercedes was going to get stuck in some traffic, the adrenaline was pumping my client was competitive to say the least!
 
In a flash we arrived at Weymouth Harbour, crept under the bridge, desperate to see if we had won.
 
Contemplating on what we were going to do to celebrate and there they were standing on the pontoon waving at us! Damn it! We had lost! And only by 4 minutes!
 
Lots of discussions then proceeded in the restaurant afterwards about how the other side cheated! All Good Fun!
 

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