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

From a modest Ford Cortina to a Lamborghini Countach, Harry Metcalfe’s car collection has evolved over the years to include a dazzling array of machines, including motor boats
 
In our regular feature ‘My other passion is’, we ask prominent boaters to share their favourite hobby outside of boating. This month, Evo magazine founder Harry Metcalfe…
 
My father’s interest in cars was close to zero, as long as there was fuel in the tank and it had a roof, he was happy. Having four wheels wasn’t a necessity either; he once suggested swapping the family Mini out for a three-wheeled Reliant but Mum made it quite clear that if he did, then he would no longer be married.
 
So how have I ended up with a car collection big enough to mean insurance renewal now involves lunch with the boss of the insurance company? It’s a question I often ask myself too, as it certainly wasn’t passed down from my parents.
 
I initially became mildly obsessed with the VW Beetle (which is not something I often admit in public). Fortunately, my first job saved me as my company car was a Cortina 1.6L, which I turned into a 9.1L by turning the boot badge upside-down.
 
By 1985 I’d set up my own business and got hooked on Saab 900 turbos, peaking with a 900Turbo 16V S. Things were going so well, I bought a Lotus Elan Sprint as a toy and not long after started to compete in it, coming runner-up in the CCC National Hill-climb Championship in 1993.
 
My road car tastes evolved too, moving from a lovely BMW E30 M3 into the first Maserati Ghibli Cup in the UK. It was around this time I got together with several motor journalists to launch Evo magazine.
 
This is when things got silly. Suddenly, I was jetting around the world testing every car imaginable. To this day, just owning a car is never enough for me, it’s what I can do with them that really matters and that’s why I’ve ended up with such an eclectic mix in the garage.
 
I guess the most exotic car I’ve owned is a Pagani Zonda. I did 20,000km in it but as values rose, I felt uncomfortable having so much money tied up in one car and sold it to buy a Lamborghini Countach, a Ferrari 330 GT, 550 Barchetta and a Testarossa instead. All of which I’ve done memorable trips in, some of which are on my YouTube Channel channel Harry’s Garage, which I started just for fun but now gets over one million views a month and has become an entity in itself.
 
Boats first appeared in 2002 after buying a Windy 37. Boating appealed because they came with two engines as standard and were a great way to share my love of mechanical things with the family.
 
 
What I’ve discovered since is boats are just like cars, the fun factor doesn’t increase directly in line with price and the enjoyment you et is mostly down to you, it’s what you do with them that really counts.
 
I took a ’69 Rolls Royce to the Arctic Circle last winter, something my Dad would think was madness. So just like when I was 17, cars still give me a sense of freedom. I love the different flavours, the design, the speed, the sound, and most importantly, the memories.
 

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