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

I am frequently asked whether or not a new owner of a British Registered vessel requires formal evidence of competence to drive a boat. Within the United Kingdom and her waters, it is currently not a requirement to have a formal certificate of competence to skipper a boat up to 24 meters or 80 gross tonnes (if it is for family / private and pleasure purposes only) but you must have an understanding of all the pleasure regulations listed here:
 
 
The rules change, once the skipper operates a vessel in certain foreign waters i.e. most of the European Countries - An international certificate of competence – ICC is required:
 
 
Vessels that carry paying passengers or vessels that are over 24 meters in load line then require formal qualifications.
 
There are also many rules laid in the above links, that every person in charge on the water whether for private or commercial use, have to abide by rules defined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea, 1972. The most common offences are not keeping a good look out and breaching traffic separation schemes (Rule 10, b, i). The outcome for breaching these rules is certainly a summons to court and if found guilty large fines of up to 16,000 plus costs. Some of these offenses can be seen in the link here and prove an interesting read:
 
For the simple reasons laid out above, those whom have an interest in looking after their recent purchases and loved ones at sea would almost certainly undertake an RYA qualification. Other important benefits of under taking a course would be a reduction in your insurance premium which some see as a return on investment (the training fee).
 
JD Yachts recommended courses through local approved RYA training centres:
 
International Certificate of Competence for Power and Sail – Assessment of 12 day or own boat tuition up to 4 days
 
RYA Radio VHF DSC (A legal requirement here in the UK and abroad)*
 
RYA Power Boating Level 2 for boats under 10 meters – 2 Days*
 
RYA PWC Jet Ski course – 1 Day (A legal requirement for most UK Harbours and Inland Waterways)*
 
Own Boat Refresher Tuition / Assisted Passages / Deliveries
 
RYA First Aid*
 
RYA CEVNI Inland Waterways Test
 
RYA Day Skipper Theory – 5 days*
 
Day Skipper Practical for Power – 4 days*
 
RYA Yacht Master Theory – 5 days*
 
Yacht Master Prep – 5 days*
 
* Minimum numbers apply
 
Contact us for more details on +44 (0) 8458 125 126 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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