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

Electric power is becoming ever more viable for marine applications as motors get increasingly powerful and battery technology improves.
 
Taking advantage of both those facets, Torqeedo is introducing two new variants of its Deep Blue electric propulsion system for 2019. Both are based around more powerful 100kW motors – the key difference is the motor’s maximum revs and thus its application potential.
 
Deep Blue 100i 2400 has been specifically designed and constructed to power fast-planing motorboats. Its maximum run speed of 2,400rpm allows it to hit far higher speeds than lower-revving variants and with 390nm of torque from very low RPM, Torqeedo says that this set up is faster to planing speeds than a conventional combustion engine.
 
The second variant is called Deep Blue 100i 900, and just like its high-revving sibling, the latter figure refers to maximum RPM. So this version is aimed at using its prodigious extra power to push larger boats at lower speeds. In this case, displacement superyachts measuring up to 120ft long.
 
 
Of course any electric engine is only as good as its power source. The new 40kWh Deep Blue marine-grade lithium-ion battery (pictured above), developed in conjunction with BMW, offers 30% more storage capacity in the same footprint and can be charged up to 75% capacity in as little as 1.5 hours when properly equipped and with adequate shore power.
 
Torqeedo says that the characteristics of the Deep Blue battery make it suitable for the marine environment and is offering a nine-year limited battery capacity warranty.
 
Both systems are low maintenance direct-drive designs and can be configured as pure electric drive set-ups or as hybrid systems with range-extending generators.
 
These are managed by a central system that will harvest ‘clean’ energy from sources like solar power and store that power safely in the batteries. Prices start from £93,000.
 

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