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

Keeping kids entertained on holiday is always a challenge and when you're at sea, their options are limited when it comes to exploring and running wild. It's essential all superyachts toy garages are well-stocked for guests with a sense of adventure. Playing on the water is never-ending fun, from being thrown off banana boats and towables to shakily trying to learn to water ski, we truly believe you can never have too many water toys.
 
So we've scanned the web to find some fun toys that will entertain, teach and support kids while they're out at sea, but that's not to say you can't enjoy them too. Speaking of, if you're looking to shop for adult toys too, be sure to check out our guide on the best jet boards and paddle boards.
 
FunAir BigAir Blob
 
FunAir's BigAir Blob is an old favourite reworked specially for superyachts. The BigAir Blob is a classic water cushion which has been redesigned for use in tidal waters with stabilising outriggers to stop it turning over while an inflatable stand-off means users are never at risk of accidentally bumping into the yacht's hull making it perfectly safe for younger thrill seekers. So how does it work? Sit at the end of the cushion while your friends jump on to it from the top deck sending you flying metres into the air before dropping into the ocean below.
 
Water Trampoline
 
If you have a large family or have invited guests who also have children, a water toy that can be used by numerous people at once is ideal. Classic water trampolines usually range between 15' and 25' and can be used with a huge variety of attachments, including slides, connecting tubes and blaster pillows, most of which are also water toys in their own right. While perhaps not as exhilarating as tender toys, we guarantee a water trampoline will keep kids happy for hours.
 
The trampoline pictured is the Rave Sports 10ft wide, which is also available in a 13ft wide option, both from Walmart.
 
Van der Meulen Banana Boat
 
There are a huge range of towable inflatables available for use with a tender - all of them brilliant fun - but the classic has to be the banana boat. With every trip inevitably ending up with the riders being thrown in the water, some parents are understandably reluctant to let their children on commercial rides. However, if you are pulling the banana boat from your own tender you can tell the crew a speed you are happy with and, as a standard tube carries between three and ten people, you can go along for the ride to make sure your kids stay safe.
 
The banana boat pictured is by Van der Meulen and fits three people.
 
[£461 from Vidaxl](Van der Meulen Banana Boat)
 
Yamaha Seabob
 
If your child loves to explore but isn’t the strongest swimmer, investing in a Seabob could be a simple solution. These lightweight machines pull the user through the water at a comfortable speed and are steered by applying light pressure in the desired direction, meaning long distances can be covered above and below water using minimal energy. Eco-friendly and almost completely silent, it is a brilliant alternative to traditional snorkelling.
 
This Yamaha Seabob is £600 from Onbuy
 
Jobe Dolphi Trainer
 
If your children are keen to try their hand at waterskiing but you’re reluctant to let them straight up on normal skis, the Jobe Dolphi Trainer is the ideal water toy. Designed as a hybrid between an inflatable tube and a waterski, the flat bottom provides stability and the inflatable sides a safer place to fall while the central seating tube can be collapsed as your child’s skills enhance.
 
[£138 from Extremeinn](2AF8Yzj)
 
Jobe Binar Towable
 
Another fun creating from Jobe that let's two have a go at once- all the more fun! This towable doesn't require kids master their balance on water, but will throw them around as it takes them on a wild ride. It's quick and easy to set up for instant laughs and little maintenance. You can never have enough towables in our book.
 
This Jobe towable is £350 from Wetsuit Outlet.
 
Inflatable Paddle Board
 
If your superyacht toy box doesn't contain paddleboards then it's about time you invested as these are fast becoming essential for the best luxury yachts for charter with exciting water toys. Paddleboarding is particularly great for children because it's relatively easy to master, doesn't require waves or motors and tends to be safer than other water sports.
 
Unfortunately the rigid versions also tend to be quite large so, if you're planning to invest in enough for all the family, Red Paddle Co's inflatable SUPs are a great solution. Each one can be packed away in their own backpack and take just 20 minutes to inflate. Along with a huge range of adult boards, Red Paddle Co offers both standard and racing boards in junior sizes perfect for children.
 
The board pictured is the Red Paddle Co's 10'6" set for £859 from the Wetsuit Outlet.
 
If you're looking for a smaller set, try the Bluefin Cruise Junior 8' for £499 from Bluefin Sup Boards.
 
 

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