With great power comes great responsibility. Acknowledging that building the world’s largest sportfishing yacht comes with its own set of environmental challenges, Royal Huisman, renowned for its exceptional sailing yachts, has delivered an extraordinary vessel. Custom-built for Saudi Prince Turki bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the 171-foot sportfishing yacht Special One was delivered in June 2024. Not only is it the largest of its kind in the world, boasting a top speed of over 30 knots, but it can also outpace the US Navy’s newest destroyer. Despite its massive size, the $70 million boat showcases unmatched agility, capable of turning and backing down on its catch like a vessel half its size.
While its radical naval architecture is certainly impressive, it’s what powers this incredible boat that truly stands out. To reduce resistance and fuel consumption, Vripack explored the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to power the twin V20 MAN 4500kW drivetrain, propelling the yacht to speeds exceeding 32 knots. HVO, a renewable diesel produced from vegetable oils and animal fats through a hydrotreatment process, serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional marine fuels.
This high-quality, clean-burning fuel not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also offers smoother engine operation and excellent cold-weather performance, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions. This makes the world’s largest sportfishing yacht far more eco-friendly, avoiding the wasteful fuel consumption typically associated with such powerful vessels, earning it the nickname “Sportfisher on steroids.”
Special One, with six decks finished to the highest standards of luxury, can accelerate from 0 to 30 knots in just 46 seconds. It accommodates 12 guests, serviced by a crew of 8, while still falling under 500 GT. Other amenities include six outdoor social areas with entertainment spots such as an outdoor cinema with a DJ platform on the bow, a state-of-the-art sound system, gyro stabilization, a retractable 3D fish finder, and the world’s first pneumatic elevator optimized for yacht use.
Despite its luxurious features, the vessel remains true to its sportfishing roots, featuring a fighting chair, a dedicated bait-and-tackle room, insulated cooler boxes, and an impressive array of 22 fishing rods. The tower also doubles as a viewing platform for the aft fishing area.
Prince Turki bin Muqrin Al Saud, born in 1973 and nephew of King Salman, is a licensed pilot and CEO of Rabigh Wings Aviation Academy. Beyond his passion for sport fishing, he has founded aviation schools in the UK and Lebanon and owns a real estate company in Turkey.
