Hunton 45: British performance sportscruiser to launch in 2020

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

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The 62-knot Hunton 45 will be launched at Cannes Boat Show

Even before the long awaited 55 has hit the water, Hunton has already started work on an all-new smaller sibling planned for launch next year.

If the renderings are to be believed the new Hunton 45 is going to be quite a thing. It’s two feet longer and eight inches wider than the current 43 but the long, sleek proportions still put performance, sea-keeping and looks ahead of the current fad for ever-increasing volume. The lines are gorgeous but it will be interesting to see if the sporty profile and outrageously clean foredeck make it through to production unfettered.

Craft like this tend to get used as high-speed day boats to whisk your guests to the beach ahead of the chasing pack before blasting back home for the night, so the designers have made the most of its long, open cockpit.

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The focal point is a central dinette with opposed seating that backs on to a huge sunpad. Below decks there is a convertible vee berth in the bow and a separate cabin amidships with either a double bed or two singles for occasional overnighting.

Hunton’s racing pedigree is alive and well in the performance department; the top spec twin 550hp diesels capable of a claimed 62 knots flat out and even the standard 370s should be good for well over 50 knots.

Prices for the Hunton 45 will start from €770,000 ex VAT, but that includes a generator, air-con and a bimini.

Specification

LOA: 45ft (13.7m)

Beam: 11ft 6in (3.5m)

Engines: Twin Mercury 370hp/Cummins 550hp sterndrives

Top speed: 62 knots

Price from: €770,000 (ex VAT)

Contact www.huntonyachts.com

Original Article