Project 406 is a Sportfisher on steroids. It has the true proportions and long flaring bow of a typical American Sportfish Boat. We paired this with the harmonious feel of a luxurious yacht. It’s a supersized model with super chic curves, realised on a grand scale.
BART M. BOUWHUIS - CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR
The all-aluminium construction is in the capable hands of Royal Huisman, whose Dutch boatbuilding legacy began in 1884. “It is well known that the Royal Huisman team likes nothing better than the opportunity to solve fresh engineering challenges,” says Royal Huisman CEO, Jan Timmerman.
“The world’s first true sportfish superyacht is a very exciting order.”
Interior and exterior design hails from Vripack’s design boards, benefiting from the studio’s naval architecture expertise. Purposeful lines sweep dramatically aft from her distinctive long and sleek bow. High bulwarks displace approaching waves and maintain stability. Six towering decks point in a stylish downward arc to her stern profile. And a refined sky lounge affords front row views of the exhilarating action on deck. Project 406 possesses the finesse of a contemporary superyacht and the performance of a high calibre sportfisher. She sets a new benchmark in the world of big game fishing boats.
Sportfishing first came about in the late 19th century following the invention of the motorised boat. But it wasn’t until the 20th century when the sport truly took off. At that time, sportfishers were all about traveling long distances in search of their catch. Today’s advanced marine monitoring systems make fish-finding less of a lottery, but skill is still required. South and Central America, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific rim are among the best locations to reel in a “big one”. Here, yachts with tall towers and outriggers dominate the horizon.
Project 406 is a true Sportfisher, designed for a private owner who is serious about big game fishing. We have undertaken all elements of the design underpinned by our naval architectural expertise, and that means zero compromise. We are truly delighted to work with a world-class shipyard such as Royal Huisman to bring this iconic creation to life.
BART M. BOUWHUIS – CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Main specifications of Project 406 – The world’s largest true Sportfish Yacht:
| Type: | Sportfish Yacht |
| Length overall: | 52m / 171ft |
| Exterior, interior design and naval architecture: | Vripack Yacht Design |
| Builder: | Royal Huisman |
| Hull & superstructure: | Alustar® aluminium |
NEWS: 1 FEBUARY 2024
THE SPORTFISHER IS LAUNCHED
Credit photos: Tom van Oossanen for Royal Huisman
NEWS: 17 NOVEMBER 2023
THE SPORTFISHER IS ON THE MOVE
Credit photos: Tom van Oossanen for Royal Huisman
NEWS: 20 JUNE 2022
STARTING TO TAKE SHAPE
Monday 20th June saw the completion of another major step in the build of Project 406 – a magnificent 52m / 171ft six-deck, true sportfish superyacht, set to become the world’s largest – when the main superstructure was skillfully lowered onto the hull by overhead cranes. The carefully planned installation of the decks took place inside Hall 2 at the shipyard’s headquarters in Vollenhove and was attended by the owner’s team, naval architects, designers and specialist consultants alongside the team from Royal Huisman. Preparation and fit-out of the remaining four decks of this amazing vessel is now underway. In parallel, the shipyard continues working on the board systems and other technical installations. The work includes innovative features and components, such as laser-powered exterior lighting. Everything will be brought together to complete the perfect fit in the period leading up to her launch in 2023.
Vripack Yacht Design Studio are responsible for the project’s naval architecture, as well as the dramatic exterior and yet-to-be-revealed interior design. Royal Huisman is the superyacht builder with a very capable and innovative engineering and production team well suited to delivering such an unique project. The shipyard team has worked together with the owner’s representative and his other team members which include: Bush & Noble for expertise on sportfishing and classic yacht forms; Hampshire Marine for the day-to-day technical aspects at the shipyard. Strong cohesion and co-operation among these key players is well established – a clear indication of Project 406’s continued smooth progress towards the fulfilment of her owner’s aspirations. The project is markedly set to be a truly iconic yacht upon delivery.
Credit photo: Tom van Oossanen for Royal Huisman
NEWS: 11 MARCH 2022
WORLD’S LARGEST SPORTFISHER ON THE TURN
Project 406, the world’s largest sportfish boat, celebrated a milestone moment on 11 March with the turning of its hull. Designed by Dutch design studio Vripack, and under construction at Royal Huisman’s newbuild headquarters in Vollenhove, the Netherlands, the superyacht’s exceptional lines were on full display.
A long, sweeping bow, high bulwarks and the clear outline of the fishing cockpit mark the 52m yacht out as the most serious contender ever to be constructed in the specialist sportfish category. The characteristic low, uncluttered aft cockpit is close to the water for easy access to gear and a clear sight of the catch. Seating immediately above will provide a superb platform to follow the action as it unfolds below.
With her six towering decks, Project 406 will cut a unique profile on the water. Not only will she be the largest but also the most luxurious, finely appointed and meticulously engineered sportfish anywhere in the world.
The Alustar® aluminium hull – prepared and detailed by Royal Huisman’s in-house team – offers strength and resilience. It also achieves a lighter weight to ensure a smooth and efficient passage to the fishing grounds. In the interest of a fast, cost-efficient and optimally coordinated production, its production will be outsourced to one of Royal Huisman’s highly qualified co-makers.
Much like Vripack’s holistic approach to design, Royal Huisman’s team of over 300 skilled experts means the shipyard can carry out much of its engineering and production work in-house. Since the project’s inception, the discerning owner put together a top tier team capable of bringing a yacht of this calibre to fruition. Vripack’s signature design and expert naval architecture is supported by brokerage house Bush & Noble’s sportfishing expertise, and Hampshire Marine’s technical management. With Aqua Marine handling the general logistics and Pascarelli Consulting acting as owner’s representative, the project continues to grow into one of the most iconic yachts to ever be built.
Project 406 is immaculately and extensively engineered, with high-end sportfishing and luxurious living at the fore. Extra wow factor is delivered in the sky lounge where the extraordinary “theatre” of spectacular fish catches will be on display by day – and the relaxed ambience and stunning outlook of a boutique hotel penthouse by night. Project 406 possesses the finesse of a contemporary superyacht and the performance of a high calibre sportfisher. There’s little doubting the impressive yacht sets a new benchmark in the world of big game fishing boats.
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