Royal Huisman has redefined luxury yacht-building with the world’s largest true sportfisher yacht SPECIAL ONE, which debuted at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show. At 52 meters (171 feet), she has been designed for a passionate fisherman seeking family-friendly luxury and sets a new standard for the genre. Built from lightweight Alustar aluminum, this unique vessel combines speed, agility, and elegance, boasting a top speed of over 30 knots and six expansive interior and exterior decks. Despite her grandeur, she remains below 500 gross tons (GT), a feat many deemed impossible.
The design brief demanded a vessel that could transition seamlessly between big-game fishing adventures and luxurious multi-generational family gatherings in superyacht style. To achieve this vision, the owner’s team collaborated with Vripack Yacht Design, Pascarelli Consulting, and sportfishing specialists Bush & Noble. Their journey began in 2020, evolving from ambitious sketches into a technologically advanced reality. Vripack’s innovative naval architecture incorporates a semi-displacement hull for reduced resistance and superior fuel efficiency, while Royal Huisman’s engineering ensured the vessel’s structural and performance integrity.
Her proud owner commented: “To build my first full custom superyacht has been a dream come true. To have shared every step of that experience with my family has made it even more memorable.” And continued “I look forward to many more experiences aboard with my family, friends and those who we meet along the way. She truly is a special one.”
The craftsmanship extends beyond performance delivering an interior, designed by Vripack, which defines understated luxury, featuring walnut joinery, Italian marble, and bespoke furnishings. A glass-encased vacuum elevator provides seamless access across three decks, while six social spaces—including a main salon with an open-plan layout—ensure comfort and style.
The décor throughout is largely neutral with an off-white colour scheme highlighted by teal accents and the dark walnut cabinetry. White painted window mullions have decorative inlays of oak strips, while the overhead blends white leather and gloss-painted strips. At night ambient lighting comes into play to create a welcoming atmosphere with the highlight being a hand-blown glass chandelier over the dining table. The table has seating for eight and there are two large L-shaped sofas in the lounge area of the salon.
The fishing cockpit exemplifies functionality and innovation, equipped with advanced features such as a 3D sonar fish finder and custom outriggers. The cockpit’s design supports high-performance angling, with specialised equipment for both trolling and still fishing, as well as retractable fish-fighting amenities. Opening off the cockpit is a bait and tackle room where anglers find a display of rods, reels, spooling machines and live bait freezers. Outside, the fish fighting chair is a bespoke work of art that can be raised or lowered per the angler’s wishes. The custom outriggers are the longest ever made for dragging baits well clear of the hull. For comfortable water access, there is an articulating stairway that can be lowered from under the platform, but it can also rise and swivel to create an alternative gangway to a dock or quay.
Royal Huisman’s expertise in lightweight construction proved vital in meeting the ambitious design and speed goals. Utilizing the latest in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and model testing, the shipyard delivered a vessel that balances elegance, durability, and cutting-edge technology. Custom MAN V20 engines paired with precision-crafted propellers ensure smooth acceleration and stability, critical for both fishing and cruising.
Royal Huisman CEO, Jan Timmerman reflected on the project: “Special One reflects the commitment of the Royal Huisman team to never say ‘no’ to innovative and challenging motor yacht projects, which are well outside the comfort zone of many other yards. When others said it couldn’t be done, we delivered”
SPECIAL ONE is not merely a yacht; it is a testament to innovation and collaboration. From her laser-illuminated sheer line to her top-tier performance, she is an icon of bespoke luxury and maritime engineering excellence.
We wish her owner and his family fair winds as they cruise the world’s oceans looking for their next catch.