The 52-meter Royal Huisman sportfisher Special One, which is set to debut at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, will operate on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), thus “reducing harmful CO2 emissions by over 90 percent,” according to her designer, Vripack.
“We applied our most radical naval architecture ever to this hull, resulting in dramatically lower resistance and, consequently, reduced fuel consumption,” said Bart Bouwhuis, Vripack’s co-creative director. “However, we were also acutely aware that, regardless, the twin V20 MAN 4500kW drive train – which propels this yacht to over 32 knots – and her twin Zenoro 180 kW generators will always consume a substantial amount of fuel. We became familiar with this ‘new fuel’ and began our research.”
This announcement follows the delivery of Special One in June 2024. The yacht has been described as a “sportfisher on steroids” and was commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and passionate fisherman.
“The individual aspirations and challenges of [this project] were well outside the comfort zone of other yards,” said Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman. “Special One showcases our ability to create custom solutions that perfectly align with our client’s vision.”
Speaking more broadly about the project, Timmerman remarked: “It is well known that the Royal Huisman team relishes the opportunity to tackle fresh engineering challenges – especially when they take the form of a unique project concept.”
Special One is characterized by a long bow, high bulwarks, and a low, uncluttered fishing cockpit at the stern. She features an all-aluminium Alustar superstructure with a towering profile that accommodates six decks, designed “for both high-end sports fishing and luxurious living.”
The yacht is equipped with the latest game fishing gear, and the tower provides a viewing platform for the dedicated fishing area at the rear. At night, the yacht is illuminated by laser-powered exterior lighting.
Vripack is also responsible for designing the yacht’s interior, which has yet to be unveiled.
She was launched in February 2024.
Royal Huisman collaborated with Bush & Noble for expertise on sport fishing and Hampshire Marine for the day-to-day technical aspects at the shipyard.
“This is an exceptional brief,” Bouwhuis added. “And the result is an exceptional boat. It features the true proportions and long flaring bow of a typical American sportfish boat, paired with the harmonious feel of a luxurious superyacht. It’s a supersized model with super chic curves, realized on a grand scale.”
This follows the news that Royal Huisman is set to build an 81-meter sailing yacht, codenamed Noir, which will rank among the 10 largest sailing yachts in the world upon delivery.
For those attending the Monaco Yacht Show, be sure to visit Stand DS103 to greet the BOAT International team.