Heesen 55-Metre Reliance: A Yacht For All Seasons
A uniquely successful smart-custom superyacht platform is finding favour in this conspicuously successful charter yacht
Heesen’s 55-metre Steel design is instantly recognisable, with its distinctive ‘shark tooth’ in the overhang of the superstructure, a key signature penned by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. However, Reliance — the fifth hull in the uniquely successful superyacht platform — stands out for three more reasons. First, a distinguished shark-grey hull catches the attention of onlookers. Second, the Luca Dini-designed interior, which marks the first collaboration between the Dutch shipyard and the Italian studio, and third, its success on the charter market as part of West Nautical’s charter fleet.
“Reliance sits in the 50 to 60-metre size bracket, which already makes her competitive on the charter market,” says Geoff Moore, managing director at West Nautical. “Add to that her Dutch pedigree and 2023 delivery date, and it’s clear why she has become one of our most successful charter yachts.”
Following her delivery in August 2023, Reliance successfully chartered in the Caribbean that winter, and then worked throughout France, Italy and Greece in the summer of 2024. With more than 100 yachts in the 55-metre range on the charter market, plus the fact that “most charterers decide with their eyes,” appealing to potential customers as a great-looking yacht is a must.
Moore notes Reliance’s well-balanced interior, with its modern yet classical style, as a key factor for the yacht’s all-round appeal. “There’s nothing garish, nothing to dislike, which makes it well suited to all ages and nationalities,” he says. “We’ve had European, American and Middle Eastern charter guests enjoy time aboard Reliance. I put the variety of clients down to the yacht’s pleasing design.”
Built with a steel fast-displacement hull and aluminium superstructure, Reliance offers space and exceptional amenities spread across four luxurious decks. That includes six generous guest cabins, with a full-beam owner’s suite forward on the main deck, two doubles and two twins on the lower deck, and a VIP on the upper deck. It’s a popular layout that works well for both multi-generational families and groups of friends, enhanced by the master suite’s combined walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with a full-sized bathtub in the middle.
Another bonus is the yacht’s large library of water toys, such as electric surfboards, Fliteboards and paddle boards, which allows all 12 guests to enjoy time on the water together. Reliance is an RYA Training Centre, which means the crew can instruct guests on the yacht’s jetskis. Another perk is that one of the yacht’s deckhands doubles as a videographer, providing guests with a fully produced private video of their experiences on and off the boat at the end of their charter.
“Reliance has a huge variety of kit, from videoing equipment and drones to underwater cameras and editing software,” says Moore, noting that every charter to date has taken up the option of a video.
Variety is also the key to the yacht’s rotational crew of 13, including two captains, one Polish and the other British, and two chefs, Italian and Dutch. “The food has been a big draw with guests who love the diversity of menus and flexibility of the galley,” says Moore. “The chefs went so far as to renew all the cooking equipment to accommodate the needs of a kosher charter.”
Reliance’s owners designed the yacht with charter in mind, and regular improvements and maintenance since the yacht was delivered have helped keep it in top condition.
Recent changes on the sun deck include new fixed sunpads that face both into the boat and out to sea. Alongside the existing bar and coffee tables, the change has proved success-ful, with guests choosing to migrate to the top deck more often. The bridge deck aft is established as the main al fresco dining area, but the addition of an outdoor TV has proved invaluable for sports fans keen to not to miss an all-important game. It’s supported by the installation of high-speed Starlink internet, and a variety of onboard streaming devices.
And then there’s the lower deck beach club. It features a well-equipped gym with a treadmill, exercise bike and weights, after which guests can take a cooling dip in the sea before heading to the steam room and sauna. “The steam room is particularly popular at the end of a day of fun watersports,” says Moore.
With Christmas and New Year charters booked for the Caribbean, and a Monaco Grand Prix charter secured for next summer, Reliance’s owners are keen to venture to new cruising grounds in 2025. Plans include heading through the Panama Canal and on to Costa Rica to explore Central America. “It’s a very exciting development for Reliance,” says Moore.
Words by Julia Zaltzman
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