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

To celebrate the completion of the Dean & Reddyhoff and Quay Marinas merger, berth holders can now benefit from a new nationwide cruising pass making access to the UK’s second largest coastal marina group a breeze.
 
Launched at Southampton International Boat Show, the new nationwide cruising pass has been designed so annual berth holders can make the most of cruising around the family of 11 marinas for up to 300 nights.
 
With 11 marinas in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the new marina group offers visitors and berth holders access to the stunning boating destinations of Cowes, Hamble and Portsmouth Harbour, Dorset, the Bristol Channel, Irish Sea, the Clyde and the East coast. Alongside 11 marinas, 4,000 berths and 150 staff, the new business will operate boat yards, boat repair and maintenance and boat sales.
 
Michael Prideaux, Group Managing Director of Dean & Reddyhoff comments: “It has been a really vibrant summer helping our berth holders and visitors get afloat and have fun out on the water. We are proud to offer so much more than a lovely place to keep your boat – with our boat care, boat sales, sailing schools, shops and restaurants. We are looking forward to sharing our maritime skills, knowledge and experience and creating a truly nationwide marina group.”
 
The 11 prime coastal marinas in the new business are:
 
Bangor (serving Northern Ireland)
 
Conwy Quays (serving Cheshire/Liverpool/Manchester/North West England)
 
Deacons, Hamble (serving the Solent, Hampshire, South East England)
 
East Cowes (serving the Isle of Wight/Solent, South East England)
 
Haslar (serving Portsmouth Harbour /Solent, Hampshire, South East England)
 
Penarth (serving Cardiff Bay / South Wales)
 
Portishead (serving Bristol / South West England)
 
Portland 2012 Olympic Marina (serving the Dorset Jurassic Coast / South West England)
 
Rhu, Firth of Clyde (serving Glasgow / Edinburgh, Central Scotland)
 
Royal Quays Marina, North Shields (serving North East England)
 
Weymouth (serving the Dorset Jurassic Coast / South West England)
 

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