The 70 million USD, 52-metre, six-deck Special One by Royal Huisman isn't just extraordinary, it proves that diametrically different yachts can be combined into a single hull. Commissioned and built for Prince Turki bin Muqrin of Saudi Arabia, it resembles a typical US sportfish convertible – but it's three times longer, with twice the number of decks and immeasurably more volume. Nevertheless, despite its size, Special One still performs like a proper fishing boat, with speed, manoeuvrability and power – delivered by twin V20 MAN 4500kW engines that top out at 32 knots.
“We were presented with this idea of engineering the world’s largest sportfisher but with a luxurious superyacht interior,” says Jans Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman, the Dutch shipyard best known for large, fast and lightweight sailing vessels. “We enjoy a challenge, especially when someone says it can’t be done.”
To achieve the desired goals, Timmerman explains that Special One was built like a Royal Huisman sailing vessel. They used lighter materials both inside and out (the hull and superstructure are constructed from aluminium) and they got creative too, such as by creating sloped corners that follow the interior contours (which would typically be covered in a straight edge by wood panelling), and that helped maximize cabin space too. Even more innovatively, they developed a lightweight pneumatic elevator to connect the decks. “It moves via air pressure, like the old tube message systems in offices,” says Timmerman.
At its heart, Special One is a serious fishing vessel that can travel the world hunting billfish, with live-wells for bait, refrigerated salted-ice fish boxes for catches, outriggers, and dozens of rod holders, as well as a custom mahogany fighting chair. But there’s also equally an abundance of space – including five staterooms – plus superyacht luxury and opulence. “It has a calm, friendly interior,” says Marnix Hoekstra of Vripack, who designed the boat. “The owner wanted it super subtle.” Highlights include an abundance of light from oversized windows, a massive forward-facing owner’s suite, a 300-bottle wine cellar and a DJ station built into an open foredeck with more than 150 high-end audio speakers hidden around the yacht.
“Very few shipyards could have built this yacht due to its complexity from a technological point of view; it's extremely dense, and with a very strict weight target,” says Bart Bouwhuis, the other partner at Vripack. “A sailboat builder understands how to build in tight spaces, and a sportfisher has pronounced hull shapes, not unlike a sailing yacht.” In other words, it was like marrying the best elements of fishing and sailing for what promises to be a very happy union.
