World's largest true sportfish yacht revealed
PROJECT 406 Royal Huisman & Vripack Yacht Design Studio |
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Vripack lands a record-breaking sportfisher with the exclusive launch of Project 406, the world’s largest sportfish yacht. There are sportfishers and there are serious sportfishers. And then there is Project 406. A 30 knots motor yacht set to become the world’s largest sportfish yacht once complete in 2023, it brings all the theatre of big game fishing to a superyacht design stage.
With a towering profile accommodating six decks and a powerful hull measuring 52m (171ft) Project 406 means business. Commissioned by an experienced yacht owner who passionately enjoys big game fishing, this record-breaking boat redefines the sportfisher parameters.
“Project 406 is a sportfisher on steroids,” says Vripack co-creative director Bart M. Bouwhuis. “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.” |
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Breaking the mould
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. |
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Heritage sport
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,” explains Bouwhuis. “We have undertaken all elements of the design underpinned by our naval architectural expertise, and that means zero compromise. As the largest sportfisher in the world, this 499 GT full aluminium build will be hugely technologically challenging. We are truly delighted to work with a world-class shipyard such as Royal Huisman to bring this iconic creation to life.” |
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The project is managed by Aqua Marine representing the owner’s team and includes Bush & Noble and Hampshire Marine as technical managers.
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Vripack is a yacht design studio, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. With decades of experience at its disposal and a portfolio that represents over 7,400 designs, Vripack has been able to evolve its processes to be as efficient and as effective as possible.
Vripack’s unique working structure, which provides an holistic approach to the design of a yacht, ensures that we produce better boats in less time. Our involvement in the entire process of designing the safest and most durable yachts ensures that clients and their guests feel at home at sea. |
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