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

Traditional marine VHF radios keep users confined to the helm with their short handset coil-cords that limit the ability to move about. Raymarine’s new Ray90 and Ray91 modular VHF radios give the freedom to roam and communicate from anywhere onboard using optional wireless handset stations.
 
The versatile Ray90 and Ray91 modular radios offer the convenience of having two wired handsets and three optional wireless handset stations. Wired or wireless, users will have full access and control of every feature the high-performance VHF radios have to offer.
 
Both models feature a powerful, commercial-grade marine VHF radio transceiver with the latest Class-D Digital Selective Calling for convenience and safety. The Ray90 and Ray91 are also equipped with a built-in loudhailer and fog-signal generator that can be easily activated by adding an optional hailing horn accessory. In addition to ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship calling, the Ray90/91 offer onboard intercom communications. The radio’s intercom feature can be used to make internal calls from station to station.
 
The Ray 91 model also has a built-in Class B AIS receiver. By connecting the Ray91 to the boat’s multifunction display and instrument network, users can see the position and identity of nearby AIS-equipped vessels.
 
Simple Options for Expansion
 
The basic Ray90 or Ray91 system comes with a black-box transceiver module and a wired handset/speaker kit. The transceiver module hides out-of-sight and offers connections for an optional second wired station as well as a wireless hub. The wireless hub allows the Ray90/91 to host up to three wireless handset stations. Wireless technology is the ideal solution for adding VHF radio capability in hard-to-wire locations like tuna towers, flybridges or distant cockpits.
 
Wireless handsets are powered by built-in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries for long life. The wireless handsets use the latest inductive charging technology. The handset can simply be placed back in its supplied dock; there are no charging ports, contacts, or unsightly cables. Each wireless handset also has a convenient locator alarm to help find it should it be misplaced onboard. By triggering the handset finder from any other station, the lost device will cry-out to be found.
 
Compliant with the latest regulations for DSC-equipped radios, both Ray90 and Ray91have an onboard GPS receiver and a connection for an external GPS antenna. The radios can communicate with other onboard multifunction displays and instruments using industry-standard NMEA2000 or NMEA0183 networking.
 
The Ray90, Ray91 and their wired and wireless accessories are available now from Raymarine dealers around the world.
 

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.