The world’s largest sports fishing yacht has reached another construction milestone. The hull of Royal Huisman’s 52m (171ft) ‘Project 406’ has been turned.
A number of spectators gathered at the yard’s Vollenhove facility in the Netherlands to get a first-hand look at the long, sweeping bow, high bulwarks and the fishing cockpit of the yacht, which the yard has described as “the most luxurious, finely appointed, meticulously engineered and most impressive sportfish anywhere in the world.”
The 499GT yacht was announced back in December 2020, with Royal Huisman working on the project with Dutch design studio Vripack who are responsible for the interior and exterior design and naval architecture.
Details are still scarce around the yacht, although Royal Huisman has confirmed she will be “fitted out without compromise for both high-end sportfishing and luxurious living”. As might be expected her owner is a passionate fisherman, and they will be making the most of a low, uncluttered aft cockpit close to the water for easy access to gear. Seating immediately above provides an ideal viewing point to follow the action as it unfolds.
Renderings and a flythough video released last year showed purposeful lines sweeping dramatically aft from her distinctive long and sleek bow, across six towering decks through to the stylish downward arc of her stern profile.
The project represents a return to its roots for both Royal Huisman and Vripack. Royal Huisman was founded in 1884 and began its business building boats for local fishermen, whilst Vripack’s heritage is very much rooted in the design of sportfishers and fishing boats since its inception in 1961.
Royal Huisman's CEO Jan Timmerman noted this, saying: “We are proud and excited to be building a truly unique and exceptional stunning sportfish yacht that still resonates with the work of the shipyard's founding fathers."
Royal Huisman has had a busy few months, at the end of 2021 it delivered its largest motor yacht to date, 58.5m (192ft) PHI, the longest sub-500GT motor yacht in the world. According to YachtBuyer Intelligence, it has four projects in its order book and set to be delivered over the next couple of years.
In terms of size, Project 406 will jump to the top of a sportsfisher market currently believed to be headed by 44m (144ft) ‘Bad Company’, built by Trinity Yachts in 1998 and originally named MARLENA. If you are a keen fisherman and interested in making a purchase you can view all sportsfisher yachts for sale.
Alternatively to see everything on offer view all new and pre-owned yachts for sale.
