Heesen: When Craftsmanship Matters More Than the Exhibition Stand
In 2025, Heesen made a decision that caught the attention of the yachting world.
The Dutch shipyard withdrew from both the Monaco Yacht Show and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, two of the industry’s biggest and most prestigious events.
For some, it seemed a surprising move.
For me, it made perfect sense.
Looking Beyond the Marketing
A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Heesen shipyard in Oss, the Netherlands.
I’ve visited many shipyards over the years, but Heesen left a lasting impression.
What struck me wasn’t just the immaculate facilities or the scale of the projects under construction. It was the people. Engineers, welders, designers and craftsmen working with remarkable precision, each contributing to yachts that represent some of the finest examples of Dutch engineering.
You quickly realise that these aren’t simply luxury products.
They’re engineering masterpieces.
It’s one thing to admire a finished yacht in Monaco.
It’s another to stand beside a hull under construction and witness the expertise, attention to detail and pride that goes into every stage of the build.
That’s where you truly understand what makes Heesen different.
A Changing Market
Boat shows remain an important part of the superyacht industry.
They’re an opportunity to meet people, see new launches and celebrate innovation.
But the way clients buy yachts has changed.
Today’s buyers arrive exceptionally well informed. They’ve researched the market, compared builders and often spent months discussing their plans before stepping aboard a yacht.
Many no longer begin their journey at a boat show.
They begin with trusted advice.
Perhaps that’s why Heesen felt confident enough to step away from the traditional exhibition circuit.
When your reputation has been built over decades through exceptional engineering and consistent quality, you don’t necessarily need the biggest stand to attract the right clients.
Why Independent Advice Matters
For Lomond Yachts, this reinforces exactly why we exist.
We’re not tied to a single manufacturer.
We don’t have sales targets for one particular shipyard.
Our role is much simpler.
To understand what our clients want to achieve and introduce them to the builders that genuinely deserve their attention.
Sometimes that’s Heesen.
Sometimes it isn’t.
But when someone asks me about Dutch quality, aluminium expertise, engineering excellence and long-term value, Heesen is always part of that conversation.
Not because they’re exhibiting at a boat show.
Because I’ve seen first-hand how they build their yachts.
Opportunities Available Today
For clients who don’t want to wait years for a fully bespoke build, Heesen currently has an impressive selection of projects available.
The current portfolio includes the 50-metre aluminium Project Sophia, the 50-metre steel Project Grace, the 55-metre Project Diana, the 57-metre fast aluminium Project Evita, together with larger projects including the 72-metre Project Ananda and several other yachts scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2030.
For those seeking something completely unique, Heesen also continues to offer fully custom projects, proving that craftsmanship and individuality remain at the heart of the shipyard’s philosophy.
The Conversation Starts Before the Boat Show
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the best yacht purchases rarely begin with a sales brochure or a walk around an exhibition stand.
They begin with a conversation.
What kind of cruising do you enjoy?
How will you use the yacht?
What matters most to you?
Performance?
Comfort?
Resale value?
Crew?
Maintenance?
Those answers determine which builder deserves your attention.
At Lomond Yachts, that’s where we start.
If Heesen is the right fit, we’ll explain why.
If another builder is a better match, we’ll tell you that too.
Because our job isn’t to sell a particular yacht.
Our job is to help you find the right one.
Ask Lomond. Ready when you are.