World's largest sportfish Special One on sea trials

The 52-metre Royal Huisman sportfisher Special One has embarked on her sea trials. Previously known as Project 406, her official name was announced just before she set out for the North Sea (26 April). Delivery to her owners is expected next month, according to BOATPro.

The largest sportfisher yacht in the world, Special One was last sighted travelling through Amsterdam from the shipyard's inland new-build facilities in Vollenhove.

The all-alumininum Alustar® superstructure has a towering profile that accommodates six decks, fitted out "for both high-end sportsfishing and luxurious living".

Commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and passionate fisherman, Special One has been described as a "sportfisher on steroids". The project is designed by Dutch studio Vripack and is characterised by a long bow, high bulwarks and a low and uncluttered fishing cockpit aft.

Vripack is also responsible for the yacht's interior, which is yet to be revealed. The aluminium yacht is fitted with equipment geared towards hunting larger predatory fish, such as swordfish and marlin. The tower offers a viewing platform to the dedicated fishing area aft and, at night, the yacht will be illuminated by laser-powered exterior lighting.

Speaking about the project, Royal Huisman chief executive Jan Timmerman said: "It is well known that the Royal Huisman team likes nothing better than the opportunity to solve fresh engineering challenges – especially if they come in the shape of a unique project concept."

To bring such a unique project to life, Royal Huisman teamed up with the owner's representative and other team members. This includes Bush & Noble for expertise on sportfishing and classic yacht forms and Hampshire Marine for the day-to-day technical aspects at the shipyard.

"This is an exceptional brief," added Vripack co-creative director Bart M Bouwhuis. "And the result is an exceptional boat. It has 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, realised on a grand scale."

This follows the news that Royal Huisman is to build an 81-metre sailing yacht, codenamed Noir. She will rank among the 10 largest sailing yachts in the world once delivered.