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

Builder confirms new partnership with South Devon College
 
Princess Yachts is more than doubling the number of apprentices it welcomes to its ranks, moving its training facility to the Marine Academy of South Devon College on the banks of the River Dart in the UK.
 
The leap from 20 to 42 trainees reflects what Princess describes as a ”stellar 24 months for the business”, which saw record results in 2018, and a solid commitment to the expansion of its business.
 
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Princess apprentices
 
Princess Yachts is one of the biggest employers in the South of England
 
Princess Yachts is one of the biggest employers in the South of England, and to support the expansion South Devon College will provide a dedicated workshop for Princess apprentices to undertake specialist project activities. Apprentices will receive what’s described as an ”immersive experience” of all operations over the four-year traineeship, with the workshop authentically replicating the assembly line, right down to the scheduled ‘buzzer’ break times.
 
Paul Turner, HR director, Princess Yachts said: “Princess Yachts has always believed in inspiring people to achieve their best, investing heavily in its yearly apprenticeship scheme. The doubling of the intake for 2019 is not only a commitment to shaping theworkforce of tomorrow, but validation of Princess Yacht’s robustness after an outstanding two years of growth. We are proud of the fact that virtually all apprentices move into permanent employment with Princess following the conclusion of their four-yearcourses.”
 
From September, Princess Yachts’ team of first-class apprentices will be given the full experience of what is to come from working for the yacht builders, with every detail of the assembly line replicated in the Princess-branded workshop at South Devon College’s marine base at Noss on Dart Marina.
 
The college’s Marine Academy offers a working boatyard with 10 vessels on which to work and train and the 90 square metre Princess facility will house a mockup hull, on which apprentices will practise their areas of specialism in relation to their individual apprenticeship.
 
Through on-and off-water activities, trainees will be immersed in their chosen area of expertise but will also receive full exposure to each of the other roles involved in the building of luxury yachts, including the X95 ‘superfly’ coming later this year. The college week will strictly follow Princess Yachts’ working hours, with South Devon College providing a coach to pick up apprentices from Princess Yachts’ Coypool base at 7am, returning to the site at 5pm.
 
Each candidate will receive the Open Awards Exploring Maritime Skills qualification, as well as additional skills in lean manufacturing, problem solving, creative thinking, effective communications, leadership and aftersales.
 
A host of other qualifications will be provided by South Devon College, including the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Survival, RYA VHR Radio Operators License and RYA First Aid.
 

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