Article Courtesy: boatinternational.com | Originally Published November 17, 2023 | Please click here for original article.
Royal Huisman‘s 52-metre Project 406 – better known as the world’s largest sportfish yacht – has reached a construction milestone. The yacht is preparing to have its upper deck, sun-awning hardtop and radar mast installed at the shipyard’s new-build facilities in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.
The testing of Project 406’s onboard systems and “other innovative technical installations” is also actively underway.
The all-alumininum Alustar® has a towering profile that accommodates six decks, fitted out “for both high-end sportsfishing and luxurious living”. It was last sighted in June 2022, when the superstructure was joined to the hull.
Commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and passionate fisherman, Project 406 has been described as a “sportfisher on steroids”. The project is designed by Dutch studio Vripack and is characterised by a long bow, high bulwarks, and a low and uncluttered fishing cockpit aft.
Above: Credit: Tom Van Oossanen
Vripack is also responsible for the yacht’s interior, which is yet to be revealed. The aluminium yacht will be fitted with 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. This includes Bush & Noble for expertise on sportfishing and classic yacht forms and Hampshire Marine for the day-to-day technical aspects at the shipyard.
“Not only is she the largest but, without doubt, the most bespoke, finely appointed, meticulously engineered and most impressive true sportfish yacht anywhere in the world – with all the amenities expected of a superyacht,” said a spokesperson for Royal Huisman. “The testing of most onboard systems and other innovative technical installations is currently nearing completion before her final transport, upcoming launch and trials.”
This follows the news that the 58-metre hybrid sailing yacht Ethereal had returned to Royal Huisman for a major refit.
