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

Limited_Edition_Hawk_38.jpg
 
Sunseeker International has today announced that the first ten Hawk 38s will be part of a very special limited-edition series, in memory of Sunseeker’s founder, Robert Braithwaite CBE DL, who sadly passed away in March this year. The Hawk 38, Sunseeker’s new high-performance day boat, was the last project Robert was involved with and therefore a fitting tribute to him. Each of the ten boats will carry a polished stainless steel plaque on the helm dashboard numbered from RB001 to RB010.
 
Robert was an inspiration to everyone at Sunseeker and to the wider marine industry, recognised as a boating pioneer, a true visionary and someone who changed the face of boating forever.
 
Robert’s passion for speed and performance is at the heart of every Sunseeker ever made and embodied in this latest model which is delivering an incredible top speed of up to 70mph (62kts).
 
The Hawk 38
 
Combined with inflatable Hypalon 866 STAB® tubes and Mercury 400R engines, the new high-performance model performs effortlessly to a level unimaginable to most boat owners, yet remains totally confidence inspiring, even at its limits.
 
The cocooning helm station is centrally located, shielded by a beautifully resolved integrated double-curvature ventilated glass screen with a sweeping black carbon fibre hard top.
 
The console unit is fitted with a Simrad navigation system, consisting of the very latest 16-inch Evo 3 touch screen multifunction display with GPS and Wi-Fi capability. The Simrad screen gives access to the CZone® DC switching system to allow integrated control of all essential systems. Power-assisted steering is courtesy of the intelligent leather trimmed tilt steering wheel incorporating full control of the navigation system.
 
Its inconceivably smooth-running hull is supported by the addition of four racing seats with shock absorbing mitigation; occupants can either sit or stand for optimal comfort and safety, thereby allowing owners to fully explore the limits of this boat’s performance.
 
The foredeck is complete with a sunbathing pad with elevated fixed headrests and an optional foredeck sail canopy. Aft facing u-shaped seating is centralised around a quick release carbon table that can be stowed in seconds. At the stern, there is a triple bench seat with the possibility for two drawer fridges located under.
 
Throughout the boat, there is multiple built-in storage such as a cavernous stowage locker with carbon fibre lid at the bow, which can be utilised for a plethora of toys including two SEABOBs with dedicated bulkhead-mounted charging units. The composite decking in platinum finish with white corking includes yet more stowage with a large central deck locker that can hold a life raft or inflatable paddleboard.
 
Commenting on the new limited-edition series, Sunseeker CEO, Andrea Frabetti said: “The legacy of the Sunseeker brand is built on developing performance boats such as the Hawk 38 – it’s in our DNA and something Robert was extremely passionate about having raced extensively in his early career. I am honoured to unveil this special edition series of the Hawk 38, a very fitting tribute to our founder.”
 

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