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

The BoatCOSafe campaign launched 2nd March to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide.
 
The campaign’s website features a video and news to educate people on the risks of CO. A petition has also been launched.
 
The petition – available to sign from the website – is asking parliament to make having a CO alarm mandatory on inland waterways.
 
Lead campaigner Niki Molnar MBE said: “Boats are naturally enclosed spaces where carbon monoxide can build up very quickly – and as you can’t smell or see it, you can be affected by it before you realise what has happened”.
 
BoatCOSafe is encouraging people to check that any enclosed boat they are on has an installed and working CO alarm. With the sailing season and the warm weather just around the corner, it’s very important to do these checks in advance.
 
Niki added: “Alarms are so reasonably priced these days that there is no reason why every boat owner should not have a suitable CO alarm installed. Rented homes must legally have one, so why not smaller – more confined – boats?”
 
The BoatCOSafe is supported by brokerage company TBS Boats and Safelincs Ltd.
In their three locations (Penton Hook Marina in Surrey, Bray Marina in Berkshire and the Hamble), TBS Boats, who are celebrating 25 years of boat sales this year, are installing free Safelincs® Carbon Monoxide alarms on every new or used boat they sell.
 
Dominic Smulders, Managing Director of TBS Boats Bray said:
 
“We didn’t have a second thought about getting involved and supporting the BoatCOSafe campaign. There are too many reports of injuries, and sadly, deaths from this silent killer and I’m proud that TBS Boats are doing something to help by installing CO alarms ‘free of charge’ on all new and used boats we sell.”
 
Safelincs Ltd are also at the forefront of boat safety. They have been offering fire safety solutions to boat owners for over 15 years and offer a range of automatic fire extinguishers, as well a smoke and CO alarms that are suitable for use on boats.
 
Harry Dewick-Eisele, Managing Director of Safelincs Ltd said:
 
“As the UKs largest online retailer of fire safety goods and services, Safelincs Ltd, have always had a passion about raising awareness around carbon monoxide poisoning. We are very pleased to have partnered with TBS Boats in support of a national awareness campaign BoatCoSafe and hope to help reduce the number of CO related deaths on the waterways.”
 

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