“We booked our first charter on reputation alone… no images, no technical specs, no crew profile, no public listing… nine days in Croatia. Booked three weeks before we took delivery. I’ve booked yachts quickly before, but never before the listing went live… I think that’s a good reception.”
When Rupert Connor, president and CEO of Luxury Yacht Group, shared this story about the just-launched 55-metre Solemates, it captured something essential about Heesen’s stature in the charter world. With no listing or photos, clients were willing to book blindly, confident that a Heesen build would deliver. From proven design layouts and award-winning eco credentials to silent cruising and luxury amenities, they consistently top the wish list for charterers.
BOAT spoke to the central agents representing five of the most in-demand Heesen yachts currently on the charter market – 50-metre Home, Orion and Bijin, and 55-metre Moskito, Reliance and Solemates - to understand why the Dutch yard’s yachts are perfect for charter.
Space that works and design that wows
Heesen is renowned for its full-custom yachts, but has been equally successful with its semi-custom builds built on speculation through a deep understanding of client preferences. These designs consistently attract owners and, in turn, strong charter demand. “Features like spacious decks, large beach clubs and strong crew areas ensure a smooth and luxurious experience,” says Caroline Antlett, charter consultant at Christie Yachts, who represents Moskito.
From a charter guest's perspective, this translates into spaces that flow seamlessly, from generous beach clubs with wellness amenities to sun-drenched saloons framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Home has earned particular praise. “She’s sleek and modern,” says Holly Huffstetler, her charter broker and fleet manager at Edmiston. “She has bright, open interiors flooded with natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. And the bow chair never fails to wow guests during viewings or charters! It’s a raised seat offering full views when underway.”
Launched in 2023, Reliance offers similarly impressive volume. “The full-beam master suite is incredibly spacious, with a seating area in the cabin, floor-to-ceiling windows on both the port and starboard sides and a designated office,” says her broker, Tina Collins, who is head of charter management at West Nautical. “The master also features a stunning bathroom complete with sauna and steam room.”
Wellness is a consistent thread across the fleet. Moskito’s beach club includes a steam room and sauna, while Solemates makes a statement with custom features including an acrylic backlit wall in the main atrium and a “supersized Jacuzzi” on the sundeck. “It’s a good wow moment, on a yacht with special design features everywhere,” says Connor. Another showstopper is the fold-down bow terraces on board Bijin, which expand the foredeck for socialising or yoga with panoramic views.
Bijin is fresh out of refit and making a strong debut on the charter market. Her new look has already captivated guests. "The complete rebrand and aesthetic overhaul by Hot Lab Yacht Design introduced a serene Japandi-inspired interior," says Britta Ax, charter manager at Burgess. "From bespoke furniture and custom lighting to an all-new gym and upgraded soft furnishings, every detail has been carefully curated. Technologically, Bijin is also future-ready with a fully upgraded AV/IT system, Starlink high-speed internet and Smart TVs throughout.",
Comfort begins with engineering
Sometimes, luxury yachting isn’t just about what’s visible, but also about how a yacht feels when underway. Heesen’s trademark Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, offers a level of comfort guests remember long after the charter ends.
“Thanks to the advanced hull design, guests enjoy exceptional stability, even at higher speeds or in less-than-perfect sea conditions,” explains Antlett. Huffstetler says that Home’s guests often comment on how silent the ride is, with no noticeable vibrations, even during long passages.
Collins adds: “They tend to be fuel-efficient yachts with great range, which minimises the need to refuel during a charter and lowers the fuel costs to the client.”
Greener cruising with hybrid propulsion
As sustainability becomes an increasing concern among ultra-high-net-worth travellers, Heesen’s early adoption of hybrid propulsion sets it apart. Home was the shipyard’s first yacht to feature this technology, earning the RINA Green Award at the 2017 Monaco Yacht Show and Best Ecological Design Innovation at the 2018 BOAT Design & Innovation Awards.
“She’s perfect for eco-conscious charterers wanting to tread lightly without sacrificing luxury,” says Huffstetler. One of Heesen’s latest builds that features hybrid propulsion is Orion, which launched in 2025. Senior charter manager Stephanie Archer of Ocean Independence, who represents Orion, confirms the yacht is already generating interest and will be available for charter in the Caribbean this winter.
Versatility is key
While Heesen builds yachts to high-performance and aesthetic standards, what truly sets them apart on the charter market is how well they adapt to different types of guests.
“Home is perfect for discerning families who value privacy, comfort and a steady hand in every aspect,” says Huffstetler. “She also appeals to sophisticated travellers drawn to clean, modern design with a sporty edge.” The toy box is a major draw too for thrill-seeking guests, with flyboards, Seabobs, foil boards and paddleboards included on most Heesen yachts.
The yachts also offer comfort and capability for those seeking longer cruises. “Due to the range that Reliance has, she would easily travel further afield and experience diverse itineraries such as an archipelagic or fjord itinerary,” says Collins. While her clients often cruise the South of France, the Amalfi Coast or the Caribbean, the yacht is fully capable of venturing off the beaten track.
Fresh from refit, Bijin is turning heads amongst a new generation of charterers. “Bijin attracts style-conscious clients who appreciate sophisticated design, as well as families and groups of friends looking for a balanced charter experience that blends relaxation, wellness and adventure," says Ax. She’s ideally suited to cruising the French and Italian Rivieras, where her spacious decks and chic design fit right in with the glamorous surroundings. "With a young, dynamic crew led by a charismatic New Zealand captain, Bijin is perfect for clients who want both polish and personality in their charter," Ax adds.
Moskito, meanwhile, has earned cult status among charterers. “She typically attracts repeat clients and charterers travelling with close family and friends,” says Antlett. “We’re receiving a high volume of enquiries for summer 2026 - not tied to specific destinations, but rather asking where the yacht will be located, as many guests choose to follow Moskito wherever she goes.”
Ultimately, Heesen’s yachts win charter clients through a mix of proven engineering, progressive design and exceptional onboard spaces. From the hybrid Home to the brand-new Solemates, each yacht shows the loyalty of returning clients and consistent bookings. For those in the know, Heesen guarantees a memorable charter. As Connor’s story illustrates, sometimes all it takes is a name.
To find out more about Heesen Yachts, contact the shipyard.
READ MORE FROM HEESEN