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

Princess Yachts have lent their support to all-female environmental voyage eXXpedition, which aims to shed light on the impact of plastic on the environment and human health
 
eXXpedition North Pacific 2018 is an all-female sailing expedition and scientific research mission set up to shed light on the crisis of plastics in the oceans, focussing on microplastics and the impact on environmental and human health.
 
The environmental expedition, led by British skipper and ocean advocate Emily Penn, will sail the North Pacific Gyre, starting in Hawaii on 23 June and ending in Seattle via Vancouver this summer.
 
The eXXpedition crew is made up of female scientists, students, artists, filmmakers, business women, psychologists, actors, ocean activists and sustainability professionals, and novice as well as experienced sailors.
 
Kiran Haslam, Marketing Director, Princess Yachts Limited, said: “I am really pleased to confirm Princess’ commitment to pushing for change in the consumption of plastics, and to limit the impact we have as the world’s leading luxury yacht manufacturer in this regard.
 
“At all of our events we will stamp out the use of plastic straws, bags and wrappers, and we are now committed to bring about the same change within our global network. We will be asking all of our global distribution and dealer points, which exceeds 100 offices globally, to be following our lead over the coming months. We are delighted to be sponsoring eXXpedition, and wish the team a successful voyage. The Princess community, both professionally as well as personally, are united in seeing the ladies tackle toxicants via education and research, to bring about significant change in how mankind behaves going forward, and we will follow their journey closely.”
 
The expedition aims to raise awareness of the impact of single-use plastic and toxics in the world’s oceans; celebrate women in science, leadership and adventure; create a community of female change-makers and inspiring global ambassadors to tackle the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution; and champion and contribute to innovative scientific research to tackle the crisis.  
 
eXXpedition, the British Community Interest Company behind North Pacific 2018, specialises in all-women sailing expeditions and is supported by the UN Environment Clean Seas initiative and Ocean Wise. This is their 10th eXXpedition voyage and the first in the North Pacific Gyre.
 
During the month long voyage, the crew will make daily trawls for plastics and pollutants, and collect data for a variety of global datasets and scientific research studies.  
 

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.