Fairline Phantom 40 delivery - Weymouth to Brighton

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

A quick delivery to Brighton via the Solent, as the conditions south of St Catherine’s on the Isle of Wight were forecasted to be a little bumpy.

On arrival to the Fairline Phantom 40 in Weymouth Marina, I can’t help but notice the immaculate state of the vessel, all JD Yachts stock boats are polished and cleaned prior to delivery which makes my job interesting trying to keep her clean during a passage.

If I were to win some money on the lottery, this would be one of my short listed boats to buy as the Fairline Phantom 40 is very easy to handle shorthanded; in fact I had calculated that in five long strides you can be at the stern of the vessel to throw the line around a cleat.

At sea the Fairline Phantom 40 handles beautifully with excellent seating positions with all the electrics to hand, plotter placed nicely and the seaward views out of the windows were clear and easy.

In the Solent in restricted visibility and under a rain cloud, the wipers performed beautifully, which is a must in my mind on all boats but some do not perform in the same manner as the Fairline Phantoms. The optional air vents cleared the screen in minutes and the radar over lay on the plotter displayed a clear image.

On arrival to Brighton Marina the new owner and his family were filming us coming alongside looking over joyed to see their new purchase of their Fairline Phantom 40.