Fairline Yachts sponsors Rick Parfitt Jnr Racing for the British GT Championship

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 luxury motor yacht manufacturer has revealed it is the lead sponsor of Rick Parfitt Jnr Racing for the British GT Championship.

The new livery for the British GT Championship Bentley was unveiled by Rick Parfitt Jnr and managing director of Fairline Yachts, Russell Currie in London.

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Commenting on the new partnership, Currie said: “We are proud to be the lead sponsor of Rick Parfitt Jnr and the number 1 Bentley in this year’s British GT Championship. 2017 was an incredible year for Rick and we look forward to supporting him on the track in the upcoming season. This partnership is a great opportunity for our customers to join us and be part of the action with ‘back stage’ access to the team, drivers and hospitality at each of the events.”

Rick has won many accolades and achieved over 20 podium positions in his comparatively short racing career. In his debut year he became the British GT4 Champion and last year, only five years on from his first race, he became the first driver in history to win both the GT4 and GT3 British GT Championship titles.

It’s set to be an exciting year for Fairline, with the manufacturer’s new Hythe facility being built on Southampton Water. The 5-acre (20,000 sq metre) will enable the company to build larger yachts and Fairline is expecting to launch the new facility and begin boat building on the South Coast in the late 2018.

Watch this year’s car be unveiled:

The 2018 British GT Championship race calendar:

31 March – 2 April - Oulton Park, UK

28 – 29 April - Rockingham, UK

26 – 27 May - Snetterton, UK

9 – 10 June - Silverstone, UK

21 – 22 July - Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

4 – 5 August - Brands Hatch, UK

22 – 23 September - Donington Park, UK

Original Article