Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman has released the first video showing renderings of its 52-metre Project 406, which is better known as the world's largest true sportfish yacht.
The record-breaking project is taking shape at the shipyard's headquarters in Vollenhove and was last seen in June 2022 when her aluminium superstructure was joined to the hull. Preparation and fit-out of the remaining four decks is now well underway with the launch date set for 2023.
Project 406 was commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and passionate fisherman and has been described as a “sportfisher on steroids". The project is designed by Dutch studio Vripack and features a towering profile spread across six decks with a long bow, high bulwarks, and a low and uncluttered fishing cockpit aft.
Vripack is also responsible for the yacht's interior, which is yet to be revealed. The aluminium yacht will combine sportfishing passion and experience with onboard facilities and equipment geared towards hunting larger predatory fish, such as swordfish and marlin. The tower will offer a viewing platform to the dedicated fishing area aft and, at night, the yacht will be illuminated by laser-powered exterior lighting.
Speaking about the project, Royal Huisman chief executive Jan Timmerman said: “It is well known that the Royal Huisman team likes nothing better than the opportunity to solve fresh engineering challenges – especially if they come in the shape of a unique project concept."
“This is an exceptional brief,” added Vripack co-creative director Bart M Bouwhuis. “And the result is an exceptional boat. It has the true proportions and long flaring bow of a typical American sportfish boat paired with the harmonious feel of a luxurious superyacht. It’s a supersized model with super chic curves, realised on a grand scale."
To bring such a unique project to life, Royal Huisman teamed up with the owner's representative and other team members which include Bush & Noble for expertise on sportfishing and classic yacht forms and Hampshire Marine for the day-to-day technical aspects at the shipyard.