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

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Taking ease of use to a new level, Simrad Cruise combines essential GPS features with basic depth-finding capability to deliver safe and reliable navigation at an affordable price. Free from complicated fishing-specific sonar and networking features, Cruise eliminates the need for boaters to master complex electronics.
 
The user interface is controlled with a rotary dial and keypad, ensuring smooth navigation through menus, and provides the vital information needed for a safe and enjoyable time on the water from speed, depth and GPS location to course, battery level and temperature information. Users can also choose from a wide range of mapping options including C-MAP® and Navionics® that include advanced features like C-MAP Easy Routing for a true automotive-like navigation experience. The included transducer provides CHIRP sonar with excellent automatic depth tracking for worry-free operation without the need for fine tuning or pre-programming. Installation is easy, requiring only power and sonar cables.
 
“We are dedicated to listening to our customers and giving them exactly what they want out of their marine electronics,” says Leif Ottosson, CEO, Navico Group. “Our product line includes multifunction displays and glass-helm systems designed for some of the most powerful navigation stations in the industry. However, many of our customers want an affordable and easy-to-use chartplotter for simple navigation, that they can just plug in and go cruising. For those boaters, we are pleased to launch Simrad Cruise.”
 
Available in 5-, 7- and 9-inch display sizes, Simrad Cruise is competitively priced at £432.99, £616.99 and £741.99 (inc VAT) respectively. The unit is IPX7 waterproof rated and ideal for installation in open air vessels such as RIB, deck, ski and wakeboard boats, bow riders and tenders, and can be conveniently flush-mounted or bracket-mounted.
 

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