All about Special One: World’s longest sportfishing yacht and its Saudi connection

Image credit: Sourced from Royal Huisman

Saudi Prince Turki bin Muqrin Al Saud is adding a new toy to his proverbial garage if industry reports are to be believed. Prince Turki was recently in the news for being featured on Tesla founder Elon Musk’s timeline after he showed off his brand new cybertruck.

Cool https://t.co/oS0gzawPCg

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 18, 2024

Moving from land to the sea, the Saudi Royal will soon be receiving the world’s longest sportfishing yacht that is currently out on sea trials.

While announcing its sea trials, the yacht’s builder, Dutch firm, Royal Huisman called it, “the  largest and the most luxurious and individually true sportfish yacht in the world”, with a length of 171 feet (52 metres) and standing tall with six decks; or for visualisation purposes – two metres longer than an Olympic-size pool.

The specifications and proportions of “Special One”, formerly, Project 406 could herald a new trend of offshore sportfishing boat that doubles as a true superyacht as well.

Here are the official specifications

Type: Sport Fish Yacht

Length overall: 52m / 171ft “world’s largest true sportfish yacht”

Hull & superstructure: Alustar® aluminium

Exterior, interior design and naval architecture: Vripack Yacht Design

Owner’s representative: Pascarelli Consulting working with Bush & Noble and Hampshire Marine

Builder: Royal Huisman

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,” as quoted by BOAT International.

The sprawling vessel reportedly comes with a price tag of $70m and the capability to outpace the US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer, achieving top speeds of 35 knots.

The interiors of Special One have been done up by another dutch firm, design studio Vripack, with their renders showcasing beige inlays and lounge areas across its multiple decks.

Vripack co-creative director, Bart M Bouwhuis was quoted by Forbes as saying, “Project 406 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.”

To travel the high seas chasing swordfish and marlin, the superyacht has an aluminium build along with multiple viewing platforms dedicated to the fishing area and, at night, the yacht will be illuminated by laser-powered exterior lighting.

The almost 500 tonne yacht houses a saloon, lounge area, and a large galley that can serve 12 guests along with 8 crew members.

Here in Dubai, we will be eagerly waiting to spot the superyacht, in waters closer to home.

Read: Cruise Saudi launches Aroya: A glimpse at the kingdom’s first cruise line