The Berry Islands reward yachts that can cover the full 30-mile chain from Great Harbour Cay to Chub Cay without consuming most of the day on passage, leaving time for the uninhabited anchorages and the empty beaches in between. Heesen aluminium displacement yachts, built in Oss in the Netherlands for fast and efficient ocean cruising, are well suited to this requirement. The aluminium construction that defines Heesen keeps weight significantly below steel equivalents of similar length, translating into higher cruising speeds and better fuel economy across the inter-island passages that characterise a Berry Islands programme. From Nassau to Great Harbour Cay takes around two hours at Heesen displacement speed, and from Great Harbour Cay to Chub Cay the full length of the chain can be covered in a short morning. This efficiency leaves the majority of each day for anchoring, snorkelling, fishing, and the beach barbecues that define a good Berry Islands charter week. With six Heesen charter yachts available in the Bahamas region, the fleet offers a useful range of sizes and interior specifications. Weekly charter rates for Heesen yachts in the Berry Islands run from approximately 90,000 to 280,000 euros. The advance provisioning allowance adds 30 percent for fuel, provisions from Nassau, marina fees, and drinks. Provision fully at Nassau before departure. Peak demand runs from December through March. The itinerary from Great Harbour Cay explores south to Chub Cay through Little Harbour Cay, Frozen Cay, and Bond Cay, then returns north for the Nassau passage to close the week.
