The 171-foot “Special One” is redefining the limits of luxury sportfishing.
When it comes to sportfishing, size does matter—at least if you’re the owner of the Royal Huisman Special One. Dubbed the “world’s largest true sportfishing yacht,” this 171-foot masterpiece made waves at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show, turning heads and capturing imaginations. While the mystery owner remains anonymous, their passion for sportfishing is clear, as is their commitment to blending high-performance angling with unrivaled luxury.
A Special Vision
“The admiration from the docks that we receive everywhere is quite unique, underlining that Special One is already an icon,” the yacht’s owner remarked. “I look forward to many more experiences aboard with my family, friends, and those we meet along the way. She truly is a special one.”
That admiration stems from more than just size. The owner had two non-negotiable demands: the yacht had to retain the classic sport fisher aesthetic, complete with a towering tuna tower, and it needed to be fast—very fast—without compromising comfort during long fishing expeditions. Enter Vripack Yacht Design, with creative director Bart Bouwhuis at the helm.
“If someone had told us in five years there will be a 52-meter sport fisherman that goes 30-plus knots, our feedback would be, ‘Impossible,’” Bouwhuis noted. “But it is possible. In fact, she goes from 0 to 30 knots in 46 seconds.”
Engineering Excellence
Achieving such performance in a vessel of this size was no small feat. Special One features an aluminum construction, keeping its weight under 500 gross tons. The semi-displacement hull, coupled with Vripack’s meticulous weight distribution, allows for both speed and stability.
“Several other shipyards couldn’t have built this yacht,” Bouwhuis explained. “It’s extremely complex from a technological point of view, with very strict weight targets. Plus, a sailboat builder like Royal Huisman knows how to work in tight spaces—perfect for a sport fish yacht with its pronounced forward hull shapes.”
Fishing Meets Function
While Special One is undeniably luxurious, it’s designed to be a serious sportfishing vessel. The expansive cockpit is equipped with tuna tubes, ice chip machines, and a retractable fish finder. There’s even a dedicated bait and tackle room to store top-of-the-line rods and reels. The yacht also boasts the world’s longest outriggers and a commercial-grade 3D sonar fish finder, ensuring no catch is out of reach.
Unparalleled Luxury
Despite its fishing prowess, Special One doesn’t skimp on comfort. The interior is a masterclass in modern design, with a neutral color palette, warm walnut veneers, and custom furnishings. Exotic stonework adds a sophisticated touch, while thoughtful lighting creates an inviting ambiance.
The main salon features a vacuum-powered glass elevator—a rare luxury even among superyachts. The mezzanine deck offers both shaded and open-air seating, perfect for entertaining. Across three indoor decks and six exterior living spaces, Special One provides ample room for relaxation and socializing.
The owner’s suite, located on the main deck, offers panoramic bow views and a spa-like bathroom adorned with Panda marble. Guests can enjoy a VIP suite and three additional ensuite cabins, each designed with comfort and style in mind.
A Statement of Innovation
“Special One reflects the commitment of the Royal Huisman team to never say ‘no’ to innovative and challenging motoryacht projects,” said Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman. “These are the projects that push boundaries, well outside the comfort zone of many other shipyards.”
As Special One continues to turn heads in marinas around the world, one thing is certain: this yacht isn’t just a sportfishing vessel. It’s a statement—of ambition, of innovation, and of what’s possible when you refuse to say “impossible.”
We can’t wait to see what Royal Huisman dares to dream up next.
