Special One is a Sportfisher on steroids. It has the true proportions and long flaring bow of a typical American Sportfish Boat. We paired this with the harmonious feel of a luxurious yacht. It’s a supersized model with super chic curves, realised on a grand scale.
BART M. BOUWHUIS, CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Special One measures 52m in length, 17m from top to bottom and a whopping 499GT. A yacht of these dimensions has never been done before. It was imperative to keep the proportions true to form, from the angle of the mighty six-decked tuna tower to the 45-degree flared bow topped with the widest capping rail ever seen on a sportsfisher. It’s the dramatic slant of the forward superstructure in contrast with the bow that lends Special One its elegant aggression.
The all-aluminium construction, commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and impassioned sportsfisherman, is built by Royal Huisman, whose Dutch boatbuilding legacy began in 1884. “It is well known that the Royal Huisman team likes nothing better than the opportunity to solve fresh engineering challenges,” says Royal Huisman CEO, Jan Timmerman
The world’s first true sportfish superyacht is a record-breaking feat, and a first for Vripack, which penned the interior and exterior design, as well as the naval architecture. Purposeful lines sweep dramatically aft from her distinctive long and sleek bow. High bulwarks displace approaching waves and maintain stability. Six towering decks point in a stylish downward arc to her stern where the most equipped fishing cockpit — including spot coolers and heaters — has every implement to hand, and only the best of each.
The 18cm insulated cooler boxes with dedicated ice chipping machines are incorporated in the deck for the largest sail fish. The fish wrap station where the lures are prepared has multiple grab boxes for every cruising environment. The bait-and-tackle room, enclosed from the elements, has lines, reels, spooling machines and live bait freezers. The teak fish fighting chair is a bespoke work of art and the best in the business. The integrated swim platform adds a superyacht flourish, as do the owner’s beloved Focal NAIM speakers, which provide harmonious surround sound from every area onboard.
Traditionally a viewing platform, aboard Special One, the main deck mezzanine serves as a superyacht terrace. Here is where the owner surveys the cockpit, follows underwater activity from the sonar displays and observes the thrill. It leads to the main salon, where a suction vacuum elevator — a late comer to the design — features a bespoke inlaid wood floor and soars through the heart of the layout. A spiral staircase wraps around it with a lush faux garden at the base to bring the outdoors in.
“Special One is a true Sportfisher, designed for a private owner who is serious about big game fishing. We have undertaken all elements of the design underpinned by our naval architectural expertise, and that means zero compromise. We are truly delighted to work with a world-class shipyard such as Royal Huisman to bring this iconic creation to life.”
BART M. BOUWHUIS, CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR
The sheer magnitude of Special One’s proportions equates to more interior space. With recreation at the centre of the guest experience, the layout is styled around comfort, prestige and enjoyment. The result is an inviting ambience with walnut wood veneers, white furnishings, Italian marble and warming indirect lighting. Even the crew areas are outfitted in style.
The sky lounge is the nucleus of entertainment, with a backlit marble bar to set the scene. In the open wheelhouse, the state-of-the-art helm with its twin helm chairs adjoins a second guest lounge of sumptuous quality — a must for the owner who likes to navigate and socialise in equal measure.
The contemporary guest areas are adorned with custom-made furniture and contrasting materials. The forward VIP enjoys generous proportions, while the owner’s suite, with flooring that gradually slopes up from the dressing room to the bedroom, unequivocally has the best views on board. Far-reaching vistas are paired with rare book-matched Panda marble in the bathroom, a circular panel of twinkling LED lights above the bed and bespoke artwork behind the headboard. The large panes of curved glass windows hug the interior line.
Special One possesses the finesse of a world-class transatlantic superyacht and the performance of a high calibre sportsfisher. As the first sportsfisher penned by Vripack Yacht Design, it draws a line in the sand for all sportsfishers of the future. As the realisation of the owner’s dream, it delivers with heart and soul.
| Current name | Special One |
| Design number | 7770 |
| Length | 52.00 m |
| Beam | 9.7 m |
| Draft | 2.8 m |
| Designer | Vripack |
| Naval Architect | Vripack |
| Interior Design | Vripack |
| Builder | Royal Huisman |
| Type of vessel | Sport fisher |
| Hull type | Displacement |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Speed (cruising/max) | 14 / 30 kts |
| Range | 1500 nm |
| Fuel capacity | 47,000 ltrs |
| Fresh water capacity | 10,000 ltrs |
| Owner & Guest | 10 persons |
| Crew | 9 persons |
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