Heesen, the Oss-based Dutch shipyard, has made fast displacement motor yachts its trademark, producing a charter fleet that combines the structural integrity of steel-hulled construction with performance figures that consistently exceed what the hull form would suggest. The yard’s engineering focus means a Heesen charter yacht typically offers more speed, more range and better seakeeping than a comparable alternative at the same overall length. In Bimini, where the value of a good crossing lies in arriving promptly from Florida, those qualities matter. The island sits 50 nautical miles from Miami, and the 18 to 22-knot performance available from most Heesen charter yachts makes the passage a comfortable morning run regardless of sea state. Charter-available Heesen yachts in the Bahamas run from around 38 to 65 metres, carrying six to twelve guests with crews of eight to twelve. Weekly rates range from approximately 120,000 to 380,000 euros before the advance provisioning allowance of 30 per cent, covering fuel from Bimini Bay Marina, food and drinks, harbour dues and applicable sportfishing licences. The Bahamas season runs December through April. Heesen’s combination of Dutch engineering precision and a strong charter management programme has made the yard one of the most reliable names in the Bahamas and Caribbean circuit.
