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

We recently completed the sale on a 2008, Princess V48 and our clients were impressed with the detail of the online listing and even happier when they flew over to inspect the boat in March. Once the sale was completed, the experienced new owners decided to take a family trip on their boat from Portland to Tholen in the Netherlands where they run a water sports and leisure complex in Oosterschelde National Park, Holland, http://www.waterrijkoesterdam.nl/, and were kind enough to send us some pictures of their trip.
 
Cracking the champagne open on the hand over at Portland
 
 
The trip took them past the Isle Of Wight and up to Brighton for an over night stay, then on to Dover for some sight seeing at Dover Castle the next day and then Ramsgate for another over night stay before the trip across the channel.
 
Breakfast in Ramsgate
 
 
On the other side of the English Channel they had another overnight stay in Nieuwpoort, Belgium and then headed off home to Tholen in the Netherlands the next day.
 
Leaving Nieuwpoort
 
 
Back home and moored in front of the house
 
 
We'd like to congratulate the new owners and wish them a wonderful time aboard their Princess V48!
 
How your boat is represented online can make a huge difference and here at JD Yachts we always try to get the best possible pictures, videos and specification for our central listings. If you are interested in selling your boat with us, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and speak to us on +44(0)1305 766 504 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!

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