First MAN V12-2000 Engine Delivered

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

First-MAN-V12-2000-Engine-Delivered

MAN Engines has delivered its first MAN V12-2000 engine to Italian shipyard AB Yachts for installation in in its AB 100 model featuring a three-engine system with ZF transmissions and MJP water jets.

With total power of 6,000 HP, the system will be able to accelerates the 100ft luxury yacht to a top speed of 55 knots. AB Yachts will be able to increase the power of its AB 100 series by 100 HP per MAN V12-2000 engine.

“We have been relying on engines from MAN Engines for a long time because they offer the ideal combination of power, lightweight design and compact size,” said Francesco Guidetti, head of AB Yachts. “These are all essential characteristics that guarantee the performance that has made us so successful with our boats around the world. The new AB 100 will enable us to achieve new goals once again.”

May 2019 delivery

The buyer of this AB 100 is a European businessman who will use the yacht with three MAN V12-2000s in the Mediterranean. The delivery is planned for May 2019.

To date, the MAN V12-2000 is the only twelve-cylinder V-engine with 2,000 HP on the market that generates its enormous power from 24 litres of displacement. This extremely high-power density of 61kW per litre of displacement, the compact design and the low weight provide ship designers with significant advantages over comparable high-performance engines, said MAN Engines.

Original Article