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

 
It now appears that the cold weather will be well and truly behind us as from next week, warmer conditions are fast approaching, which is fantastic news for our active boaters out there.
 
Here at JD Yachts we have had a very busy few weeks completing on a number of boats and actively handing them over. This coming weekend we see the delivery of a Fairline Phantom 40 to Harwich to be shipped to Finland, our Northern European friends actively buying before the spring season starts over there and more importantly now that the ice is finally melting!
 
Increasing in trend, we have more arrivals in to Portland next week for refits, engine servicing, antifouling and polishing before delivery which is great to see, our team working hard to continue with JD's professional detailed approach.
 
Whilst the winter is firmly behind us and that we are all going to enjoy the warmer weather and calmer seas, it is worthwhile remembering the importance of a check-list before going to sea:
 
  • Always check the weather and forecasting before leaving home, we use Wind Guru, the Met Office, XC Weather and Magic Seaweed for wave heights and forecasting websites.
 
  • Check the tides for your trip, make sure you have enough depth at the destination port and especially the emergency ports of call. Also be aware of Spring tides around headlands, “wind against tide” can catch a lot of people out.
 
 
  • Daily engine checks are a must, engine oil, gear oil, coolant, strainers and the like all need to be checked and make sure you have the spares on board.
 
  • Make sure your crew are fully trained in using emergency and life saving equipment, using the VHF radio and actively using fenders and warps whilst communicating effectively with the helm / skipper in charge.
 
  • To go with passage planning above, check your charts are up to date, and you know your limits and the range of your vessel. Beware of Navigational Dangers out there and changes to them. Please subscribe to M Notices notifications from the MCA by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
 
You are welcome to book in some time with our Capt. Ben Harris for further training and refresher courses if required.
 
Finally we also had some great spring news with the arrival of our Captain Ben Harris third child – Ethan weighing in at 8lb 7oz!  Ben has amazingly still managed to carry on with his duties balancing work and home life! Congratulations Ben and his family.
 

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