Heesen, the Dutch yard founded in 1978 at Oss, builds fast, all-steel motor yachts of 37 to 70 metres, known for combining full-displacement fuel economy with performance speeds that most steel vessels of similar size cannot approach. The yard uses a proprietary FDHF (fast displacement hull form) on many of its vessels, delivering a 16 to 18-knot top speed on a displacement hull, fundamentally changing the relationship between time at sea and destinations reached in a seven-day charter. In the Abacos, this speed advantage is meaningful: a Heesen can cover the full length of the Sea of Abaco from Marsh Harbour to Walkers Cay and still have time for a diving stop at the barrier reef on the same day. Six Heesen charter yachts are available to guests specifying the Abacos as their destination, spanning a length range from 40 to 65 metres and a range of interior programmes from contemporary Dutch minimalist to traditional panelled English styles. Heesen interiors are almost always executed in collaboration with external design studios, giving each vessel a distinct character while sharing the common build standard of the yard. Crew on a Heesen charter yacht runs from 10 to 18, with a service standard that reflects the premium rates that well-maintained Heesen vessels command. The Abacos season runs November through June, with March and April the most popular weeks. Provisioning at Marsh Harbour is reliable for vessels in the Heesen size range.
