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

MBY contributor Nick Burnham knows his Princess's inside out having sold the boats for over 20 years. He selects 10 of Princess Yachts' most iconic craft
 
 
 
 
The flagship at the time and also (I believe) the biggest production boat built in the UK upon launch (how times have changed!) Opened up the Med market for Princess and an outstanding boat then and now.
 
 
 
Launched in 1973, the flagship at the time and set the pattern for Princess for twin shaft drive diesel flybridge cruisers – and twin stainless steel horns on the front of the flybridge!
 
Princess 266 Riviera
 
 
Okay, possibly not ‘iconic’ (maybe the 286 Riviera would be more iconic as the first Princess sportscruiser) but one of my favourite Princesses ever for its styling, layout, manageability, but most of all its incredible sea keeping and phenomenal performance (42 knots with twin 4.3 V6 petrols). A classic.
 
 
 
The boat with which Princess really got to grips with clever interior packaging, creating a hugely spacious interior for the boat’s size.
 
Princess V39/V40/V42 trilogy
 
 
First of the V range (along with the original V55), brilliant combination of size, style and space. It was massively successful, from memory over 500 sold across the three versions.
 
 
 
First of the M Class (back in 1996!) and a great looking (and distinctive) boat with its huge oval saloon windows.
 
Princess V65 MkI
 
 
The original V65 with the open backed hardtop. Great cockpit layout, twin garages, fabulous saloon with the glass topped bar, epic sea keeping and 40-knot performance with the 1,300hp engines. Fantastic!
 
 
 
First pod drive and the first sub 50ft full beam master cabin (in a Princess) and took the V Class in a new, more accommodation lead, direction that ultimately proved to be hugely successful.
 
 
 
I think, the ultimate combination of manageability, capability, (relative) affordability and practicality. This was – still is – in many ways the perfect family flybridge cruiser and very successful.
 
 
 
Biggest ever! (So far)
 

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