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

JD yachts has over 30 years experience as an independent yacht brokerage and are proud of our reputation of providing an honest and knowledgeable service.

Our brokers are professionally trained and qualified by ABYA (Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents) to ensure your total protection throughout the buying process, which means that all you have to worry about is choosing the right boat, and let us do the rest.

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Guidance

For buyers and sellers

Whether buying or selling a boat, we recognise the importance of acting efficiently and diligently to ensure all parties are dealt with in a professional manner. Rest assured, the JD Yachts team will be acting in your best interests every step of the way. Find out more

Sell your boat

We take care of the details

With the marketing resources at our disposal, we ensure you get maximum global exposure via a website that has been crafted to the specific needs of the boat buyer, our pro-active social media platforms and targeted advertising, both online and traditional. Find out more

Testimonials

JD Yachts were an excellent agent in the sale and purchase of our boats from day one. They worked hard to secure the deal and went out of their way to keep us up to date on the status of the transactions; they were prepared to call out of hours and put extra time in whenever necessary. The purchase of our new boat was far from straightforward, but we felt thoroughly supported by JD Yachts throughout the process. Would highly recommend JD Yachts should you want an agent who goes the extra mile to facilitate the sale of your boat. Mr & Mrs A, Eclipse
Fantastic boat and one very happy customer, thanks to JD Yachts for their professional support. Mr W, Wicked Lady
A big thanks to you and the team for completing the recent transaction so professionally and diligently it was pleasure doing business with you… Anyway signing off and thanks again for… without your support would not have been possible. It has brought our family so much happiness so again a big thanks to ‘JD the people that make dreams happen’. Mr H, Elegance 82.
Hi. It was good to meet you yesterday, we were impressed with your professionalism, we both feel that the sale of our boat is in good hands. The photographs look excellent. Mr H, Adelante.
Yippeeeeeeeeee ! Can I say Thank You to yourself and all at JD – this is the first time I have sold without p/ex ing, and so was apprehensive about the transaction. I am pleased to report that I needn’t have been concerned. Well done all. Mr B, Nauti Secrets.
No better time of year to say thank you for all the effort and extra mileage that went in to selling Houston. Mr B, Houston
Just wanted to say a big Thank You to you and JD Yachts for handling our purchase in such a professional and friendly manner. The whole experience has been a pleasurable one. You have certainly taken all the stress out of purchasing a boat and appreciate all the organisation of the required repairs prior to our purchase. Mr W, Kai Tak.
Can’t thank you enough, your engineer talked me through it and we are back up and running, Phew! JD have all responded in great spirit and professionalism on a sunny day when I am sure you had better things to do!! Will you please thank the engineer for me. His knowledge is second to none. All the best. Ps we love the boat. Mr L, Blue Max.
Thank you for this. You have done a thorough job preparing the particulars. Thank you. Mr J, Luella.
Wow! Those pictures are in my view exceptional. Especially the ones showing the gel coat condition and the cabin photos. I like the one with the Touchscreen Chart plotter.Thank you for your efforts to get the boat advertised so soon. Mr T, Blue Moon.
Thanks for the confirmation it is now cleared in my bank, thanks for all your hard work again you really are a credit to J D Yachts. We will still be coming to Weymouth on the odd occasion so may pop in and have a quick coffee with you one day. Mr S, Reflection.
I had her with a number of brokers initially, but decided on one broker from August this year. That broker was JD Yachts. With all the broker bashing that goes on I am extremely pleased with ALL aspects of their involvement. At survey time, a couple of issues were raised which they arranged on the spot – outstanding service. They were a pleasure to deal with. Thanks JD! Mr B, Nauti Secrets.
Thanks for all your help with the purchase of the New boat. Super service, effortless purchase. Mr D, Hi Spirits.
Many thanks, you have been excellent throughout re both our purchaser and sale. A credit to your company and I will certainly recommend you to friends/colleagues and come back myself. All the very best to you and your team. Mr B, High Spirits.
I know I have been a pain at times but I really do appreciate the help and support you have given me over that last 18 months or so, you have gone the extra mile and have given true customer support which these days is a rare commodity. Mr B, Roaming Spur.

Who can forget Roger Moore’s camp and cheeky James Bond flying the Glastron speedboat in Live and Let Die, or the gorgeous and super sleek Sunseeker Sovereign 17 in Quantum of Solace, starring the British actor with the bluest eyes, Daniel Craig?
 
The fictional Disco Volante (flying saucer) that appeared in 1965 Thunderball, starring Sean Connery, had quite the starring role. Owned by villain Emilio Largo, the hydrofoil craft was purchased with SPECTRE funds and it cost the global terrorist organisation £250,000 – a huge sum in the mid 60s!
 
And what about the beautiful Soufrière, featured in Casino Royale which recently went on sale for £600,000?
 
The boat and its team of builders were put through their paces for the making of the Bond film. Soufrière was shipped to the Bahamas, sailed to Puerto Rico and through the British Virgin Islands to Tortola Harbour, before being shipped to Croatia and then sailed to Venice.
 
The sloop went to an Irish buyer after filming finished on Casino Royale and has since been used for cruising and racing, coming second at this years Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge regatta in the Class 1 Modern Classics division.
 
Boats are a key feature in James Bond’s films. Sleek, classy, powerful and smart, just like everybody’s favourite British secret agent, these vessels have at times stolen the show, even from 007 himself.
 
Take a look at the pictures below  to see some of the beautiful and at times wacky craft that’s appeared in the Bond films in the last 50 years.
 
The Glastron – Live and Let Die
 
Vessel: Glaston GT-150
Bond movie: Live and Let Die (1974)
 
26 Glastron boats were used in the filming of Live and Let Die. This one in particular was used as Bond engaged in a thrilling chase through the Lousians marches and completed a record-breaking 120ft jump.
 
 
Disco Volante – Thunderball
 
Vessel: Disco Volante
Bond movie: Thunderball (1965) starring Sean Connery.
 
Disco Volante is a fictional vessel that features in the film adaptation of the James Bond novel Thunderball. In the movie, the hydrofoil craft is owned by villan Emilio Largo and used to transport two nuclear warheads.
 
The vessel is destroyed in a battle between Largo and Bond. With nobody at the helm, it runs aground and bursts into flames.
 
 
Lotus Esprit S1 – The Spy Who Loved Me
 
Vessel: Lotus Esprit S1 submarine
Bond movie: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
 
With Roger Moore as James Bond, the Lotus Esprit S1 features as a submarine vessel with fins, front-mounted rocket launchers, mines, a periscope, a smoke screen and a surface-to-air missile.
 
It cost the film company a reported $100m to transform the car into one of Bond’s spectacular vehicles.
 
 
Sunseeker Superhawk – The World Is Not Enough
 
Vessel: Sunseeker Superhawk 34
Bond movie: The World is Not Enough (1999)
 
In the pre-title sequence to The World is Not Enough, James Bond can be seen chasing a Sunseeker Superhawk 34, driven by assassin Giulietta da Vinci, down the Thames at 60mph.
 
The Sunseeker is destroyed near the Millenium Dome by two mini-torpedos fired from Bond’s own boat.
 
 
Sunseeker Sovereign 17
 
Vessel: Sunseeker Sovereign 17
Bond movie: Quantum of Solace (2008)
 
Starring the latest man to play James Bond, Daniel Craig. 007 can be seen aboard a vintage Sunseeker Sovereign 17 in the 2008 film. While this boat doesn’t come with any fancy gadgets, it’s definitely one of the best looking!
 
 
 
Spirit 54
 
The Spirit 54’, which starred alongside Daniel Craig and Eva Green in Casino Royale©, is perhaps Spirit’s most iconic yacht. Following her movie début, the yacht was sold and went on to enjoy subsequent years’ cruising and participating in competitive racing.
 
Credit: Casino Royale © 2006 Danjaq, LLC & United Artists Corporation
 
 
Soufrière – Casino Royale
 
Soufrière by Spirit Yachts – Casino Royale, 2006.
 
Credit: Casino Royale © 2006 Danjaq, LLC & United Artists Corporation
 
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