All eyes were on Royal Huisman’s Special One at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show. She made an unforgettable debut, redefining the boundaries of luxury sportfishing yachts. At an impressive 52 meters (171 feet), she claims the title of the world’s largest true sportfisherman while boasting a blistering top speed of over 30 knots. Yet, this isn’t just a vessel built for adrenaline—it’s a masterpiece of luxury, outfitted with five palatial staterooms, including two spectacular full-beam suites, all set against a backdrop of exquisite walnut joinery, exotic stones, and exquisite custom furnishings.
From the cutting-edge pneumatic glass elevator to the world’s first commercial-grade 3D sonar fish finder installation on a yacht, every detail of Special One exudes innovation. With three interior decks for socialising, six exterior living spaces, and uncompromising design, this yacht sets a benchmark in both sportfishing and superyacht luxury—all while staying under 500GT.
The owner, a passionate fisherman with a growing family, envisioned the ultimate sportfishing yacht—a vessel that combined high-octane fishing capability with the refined comfort of a superyacht. Having outgrown his Viking 92, he dreamed of hosting multi-generational fishing adventures in a space that offered uncompromising luxury and comfort. But creating a yacht capable of accommodating his ambitious vision—both in size and speed—while adhering to the strict 500GT limit was a monumental challenge.
After consulting with a powerhouse team, including Pascarelli Consulting, Bush & Noble, and Hampshire Marine, the owner sought out Vripack in 2020 to design his dream yacht. Early sketches sparked excitement, but as the concept evolved, it became clear that scaling up a standard sportfisherman to 52 meters wouldn’t suffice. “It just wouldn’t look right,” explained Vripack’s Bart Bouwhuis. To achieve the desired profile, speed, and luxurious interior, the team opted for a lightweight aluminum build and turned to Royal Huisman, a shipyard renowned for pushing boundaries and executing the “impossible.”
Built in Alustar aluminum, Special One is a technical marvel, expertly balancing power, speed, and refinement. Royal Huisman’s engineers leveraged advanced CFD modeling, tank testing at MARIN, and techniques honed from building record-breaking sailing yachts to optimise performance. From her semi-displacement hull with a sharp bow entry to her lightweight, custom-engineered five-blade propellers, every feature was designed to deliver unparalleled agility and stability.
Remarkably, Special One can carve tight turns with a heel of just 3.1 degrees and reverse at speeds of 8 knots, making her not just a sportfisherman but a precision machine. With a pair of groundbreaking MAN V20 engines driving her to over 30 knots, she accelerates from zero to full throttle in just 46 seconds—proving that luxury and performance can coexist seamlessly.
Inside, Special One offers a haven of understated elegance. Designed by Vripack with a focus on family comfort, her interior blends contemporary sophistication with practical luxury. The main salon exudes tranquility, featuring walnut veneers, white furnishings, and Italian marble accents bathed in warm, indirect lighting. The seamless flow of spaces ensures every area feels open and inviting, with thoughtful design elements like leather-dampened walls and custom furniture doubling as handholds.
The pièce de résistance is the three-person pneumatic glass elevator, a sculptural centerpiece that links three interior decks while remaining lightweight and space-efficient. A floating spiral staircase wraps around it in contrasting light and dark woods, marrying form and function.
Each stateroom is a sanctuary, with panoramic windows, bespoke furnishings, and book-matched Panda marble in the owner’s suite. The owner’s bathroom even features heated floors, while LED starry panels overhead add a touch of celestial wonder.
For entertaining, the sky lounge boasts a glowing backlit bar, a bespoke blue glass chandelier, and plush seating for a chic, social atmosphere. The alfresco spaces are equally impressive, with the mezzanine deck flowing effortlessly from the salon to offer shaded seating, dining, and observation areas. The foredeck transforms into an outdoor cinema under the stars, complete with a retractable screen and windbreaks for ultimate comfort.
Every element aboard Special One pushes the envelope of what’s possible. Her state-of-the-art HVAC system is designed to thrive in extreme Gulf temperatures, while her laser-powered exterior lighting—developed in collaboration with Fibr8.com—creates a mesmerising glow, bending seamlessly around her curves. Even her fishing setup is an art form, from custom outriggers and saltwater ice-chip machines to a bespoke fish-fighting chair.
With Special One, Royal Huisman has returned to its roots in crafting vessels for fishing—albeit on a grander, unprecedented scale. CEO Jan Timmerman reflects, “While others said, ‘impossible,’ we embraced the challenge. This project represents everything we stand for: innovation, craftsmanship, and the ability to turn dreams into reality.”
For the owner, the journey has been equally rewarding. “Building my first custom superyacht has been a dream come true,” he shares. “To experience every step alongside my family and see the admiration Special One receives wherever she docks is unforgettable.”
With her unmatched blend of sportfishing prowess, luxury, and technological innovation, Special One isn’t just a yacht—she’s an icon, setting a new standard for what is possible on the water.
