While renting a private villa was once the preferred choice for the world’s most affluent, shifting priorities and preferences have led a growing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals to seek a different kind of luxury — chartering a superyacht.
The global luxury yacht charter market was valued at approximately USD 6.5 billion in 2023, with this figure projected to rise by almost double – to USD 12.8 billion – by 2033. The industry is booming, and according to The State of Yachting 2024/2025 report, brokerages are seeing record bookings led by yachts over 50m. Experts believe this can be attributed to the fact that, in comparison to private villas or luxury hotels, superyachts offer an unparalleled level of privacy and security, creating a protected environment where families or groups can reconnect with each other.
With two of Heesen Yachts most recent launches – 57m Santosha and 50m Orion – joining the charter fleet this summer, the leading Dutch superyacht builder is capitalising on this demand. Below we have outlined how Heesen, which specialises in yachts between 50 and 65 metres, optimizes its designs to cater to the charter market.
Flexible layouts
Superyacht charters are becoming increasingly popular with families and multiple generations. Heesen Yachts prides itself on its designs, which offer plenty of communal spaces – blending indoor and outdoor living spaces – while also allowing privacy. For example, 57m, Santosha, delivered in October 2024, can accommodate 12 guests but has a separated master deck forwards with panoramic views for the principal guest to enjoy. Meanwhile, all the decks are connected via stainless steel and glass elevator to ensure easy connection between everyone on board.
Sustainably focused cruising
Heesen has been a leader in developing hybrid technology and hull efficiency. The shipyard launched 50m Home in 2017, which has gone on to have a successful career as a charter yacht (she was even featured in season seven of Below Deck Mediterranean). In June of this year, her sister ship, 50m Orion was delivered and has joined the charter market. As Heesen’s most sustainable superyacht to date, Orion features hybrid technology and sustainably minded interior choices, meaning the yacht offers the charter market the opportunity to choose an option with less environmental impact.
Luxury amenities
Heesen ensures that all of its yachts are designed with facilities that can rival any private villa. For example, Santosha’s lower deck is home to a gym that can be converted into a massage area. The yacht’s crew includes a yoga instructor and masseuse, who can be available to suit guest requirements. Alternatively, 50m Bijin, which was delivered in 2015, has just undergone a major refit and now features state of the art gym equipment as well as a sauna.
On the water experiences
Being on the water is one of the joys of a superyacht charter and Heesen is increasingly focused on ensuring that guests can have easy access to the sea. The evolution of the ‘beach club’ has become increasingly important in recent years and Heesen has embraced this evolution. Santosha features a 29sqm swim platform, which allows guests to easily enjoy her vast selection of water toys including wave runners, seabobs and e-foils. Delivered in 2023, 55m Reliance has also proved to be a popular vessel thanks to her lower deck beach club and huge array of water toys.
Photo credit: David Churchill