Heesen, the Dutch shipyard based in Oss, has built a reputation for fast, aluminium motor yachts that combine high cruise speeds with design sophistication and engineering precision. The yard’s focus on aluminium construction throughout the hull and superstructure has produced a fleet that is lighter and faster than many steel competitors at comparable sizes, without sacrificing structural integrity. Chartering a Heesen in Curacao brings this Dutch engineering ethos to a Caribbean destination that offers a rewarding range of anchorages and the rare pleasure of a UNESCO-listed city harbour navigable by yacht. Heesen builds primarily in the 30 to 70-metre range, covering fast-planing to semi-displacement forms, with most charter examples in the 40 to 55-metre bracket. Their interiors have been defined by close relationships with established naval architects and feature modern European design standards with particular attention to natural light. Crews of five to ten manage vessels that are genuinely fast between anchorages, allowing more of Curacao’s southern coast and the day-crossing to Bonaire to be covered in a week. Weekly rates for Heesen charters in the Caribbean run from approximately 90,000 euros for the smaller 30-metre class to over 400,000 for recent 65-metre builds in peak season. The advance provisioning allowance of 30 percent covers fuel, provisions, drinks, and berthing. High season runs December through April. Curacao’s good marina facilities at Spanish Water and consistent easterly trade winds make it a natural base for a Heesen itinerary.
