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

A significant Nobiskrug project is the 142.8-meter S / YA, the largest supporting sailing yacht built for Andrei Melnichenko.
 
Work on the project began in 2008. Then eight designers were invited to present their versions of the world's largest sailing yacht. The Frenchman Jacques Garcia won the competition, but later, due to concerns about progress in the development of the project, the customer decided to change the designer. So Philip Stark joined in on Sailing Yacht A.
 
The three-masted sailing-motor yacht "A" has a maximum length (LOA) of 142.81 meters, a maximum width of 24.88 meters, an 8-meter encapsulated keel and a displacement of approximately 14,224 tons.
 
To bring together such unusual architectural and design ideas. The choice fell on the Nobiskrug yard in Germany.
 
The Dutch company Dykstra Naval Architects acted as developers of the hull and keel. The designer of three huge 91-meter masts was Magma Structures from the UK, with Future Fiber from Valencia creating the geeks for them and the sails from Doyle Sails from the USA.
 
The massive hull and superstructure of the yacht are made of steel; to reduce weight, some of their elements are made of carbon fiber.
 
From the significant projects Benetti should point out the 108-meter IJE, delivered in 2019 for the Australian billionaire James Packer.
 
Benetti IJE - one of three yachts more than 100 meters high, built at the same time at the shipyard in Livorno, has a balanced and timeless exterior designed by the British studio RWD.
 
 
The open spaces on board cover more than 1000 square meters and feature luxury items such as a separate outdoor dining area on the owner’s deck and a large family dining table on the main deck. There is also a 1.5-meter fire pit on the bridge deck.
 
The interior was designed by Benetti's own interior design department. The apartments can accommodate up to 22 guests, there is also room for a team of 29 crew members.
 
IJE can cover up to 6,500 nautical miles with its 345,000-liter fuel tank and reach a top speed of up to 18.5 knots using its two powerful MTU dual engines, each with 2880 kW. The yacht is also equipped with an Schottel Stern SPJ electric pump.
 

News Archive

Tweets by JD Yachts

logo

Approved members of
  • 80 The Esplanade
  • Weymouth
  • Dorset
  • DT4 7AA
+44 (0) 1305 766 504 sales@jdyachts.com

The personal information you have provided will help us to deliver, develop and promote our products and services. Please read our privacy policy for further information on how we protect and manage your submitted data and how you may opt-out at any time in the future.

Copyright © 2025 JD Yachts. All Rights Reserved.