Yachting Developments begins construction on custom 48m "mega sportfisher"

11 November 2026 • Written by Emily Dawkins

New Zealand-based shipyard Yachting Developments has announced that it has begun construction on a custom 48-metre "mega sportsfisher" yacht at its facilities in Auckland.

Known as Project YD1027, the new build will be constructed entirely in lightweight carbon fibre composite to a design by local NZ studio Warwick Yacht Design, said to combine dedicated offshore fishing and diving facilities with the comfort and scale of a custom superyacht.

The yacht marks the yard’s fifth large sportfisher project since its founding in the early 1990s, building on its experience with the 27.4-metre Satu and the 39.5-metre Lanakai, as well as more recent projects, the 34.3-metre Al Duhail and the 34.9-metre Gramac VII.

Gramac VII was delivered in 2024 by the yard

Credit: Matt Crawford via Yachting Developments

According to the shipyard, Project YD1027 has been drawn around the demands of sportfishing and diving "on a superyacht scale". As such, she features dedicated onboard equipment for extended time at fishing grounds, including hydraulically operated outriggers, live-bait tanks and a walk-in freezer for catch.

Meanwhile, for diving, the yacht is equipped with diver lift platforms, a dive equipment room and storage capability for Nitrox. "Project YD1027 has been developed for serious fishing and diving, while offering the comfort and finish expected of a custom superyacht," said a spokesperson for the shipyard. "Bringing those requirements together takes a great deal of coordination and commitment from everyone involved."

Construction on the new build is already underway

Credit: Matt Crawford via Yachting Developments

Propulsion for the new build will be from twin 4,651hp MTU engines, expected to deliver a cruising speed of over 20 knots. With extended cruising in mind, the yacht will also offer a fuel range exceeding 3,000 nautical miles.

The spokesperson added: "It’s exciting to see the next chapter of our sportfisher portfolio taking shape. At 48 metres, Project YD1027 draws on the experience gained through our previous builds and the skills and experience available here in New Zealand."

The yard's 39.5-metre Lanakai currently stands as one of the largest sportfish yachts in the world.