United States

Pascarelli Consulting

SuperYacht Times takes a first look at the interiors of the 52-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> sportfisher yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a>, following her international debut at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2024">Monaco Yacht Show 2024</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314893/image/large-707de4b535f7f7a651f91755f918dd81.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314893">As the world’s largest sportfisher yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> features exterior design, interior design, and naval architecture all crafted by the Dutch design firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Vripack</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345246/image/large-96747b3de4a956e235b43ebfd1d07a5f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345246">Accommodation-wise, the yacht hosts guests across a five stateroom layout, two of which stretch full beam. Throughout her interiors, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> showcases a combination of walnut joinery, exotic stonework, and bespoke furnishings. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345248/image/large-be9ee4e023c25cd1b4f5a5b4920e0c97.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345248"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345251/image/large-354315409249f33019400bd2fd7259ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345251">One of her highlights is the three-person pneumatic glass enclosed elevator, as well as a unique commercial grade 3D sonar fish finder - which is the first to be installed on a yacht. Despite her volume of slightly under 500 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> boasts indoor social areas across three decks, and exterior living spaces across six.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345283/image/large-16d3c7823e41fa84a8e6f21c7283ade4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345283"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345257/image/large-1d961ce9fd06e37dbe9a718806cccbeb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345257"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345255/image/large-005249fb6b9f6b36f05a7008d40374c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345255">Sold to a passionate fisherman, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> was her owner’s first custom order after he had outgrown his US-built Viking 92 sportfisher yacht. The owner enlisted a team including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7676" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pascarelli Consulting (Company)">Pascarelli Consulting</a> as his representative, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bush & Noble (Company)">Bush &amp; Noble</a> for expertise on sportfishing equipment, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6165" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hampshire Marine (Company)">Hampshire Marine</a> for technical expertise. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345253/image/large-504bb99f91641912d203d516959603ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345253">Composed of aluminum to limit weight, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a>’s design departed from a traditional deep-V hull, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a> instead configuring her into a semi-displacement hull form with a single chine, anti-chineslap spray rail and a sharp bow entry angle for a comfortable journey.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345252/image/large-9625691c6cf48a95384a04bb1cfaaa20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345252">Exhibiting an aesthetic described as “understated” by the owner, the contemporary interiors contain an open-plan main saloon with walnut wood veneers, white furnishings and simple window treatments, Italian marble and warm indirect lighting. In terms of the colour scheme, the saloon features off-white sofas and armchairs, married with teal accents and dark walnut cabinetry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345259/image/large-032e5f89609b00310cc55b0fa48a0a54.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345259">Indoor living spaces are also adorned with substantial amounts of leather on walls and furniture frames, which not only contribute to the softness of the visual style, but also work to dampen sound. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345263/image/large-5f4496d8a7d2bacaafac19004231c4a3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345263"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a>’s staterooms are carpeted, whereas the primary social spaces are decked out in ash floors in patterns. For instance, the formal dining area’s wooden oval floor is a parquet consisting of 237 pieces of ash and wenge inlays.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345250/image/large-15bf4958eec863f7fb9fde372e22b8dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345250"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345264/image/large-2c5db7ba0092fffff8b8fdeea3db313d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345264"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345258/image/large-474c22838259ac02d7535267d22d35f4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345258">One of the main saloon’s centre pieces is a glass cylinder encasing a three-person vacuum elevator, which connects the main deck, upper, and bridge decks. This elevator is also accompanied by a floating spiral staircase in dark and light wood that wraps around it. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345262/image/large-951c724351338239bbd6ab74be176919.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345262"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345288/image/large-b249d436bdec8d3e89a678c8a51eb840.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345288">Moving to the owner’s suite on the main deck forward, rare, book-matched Panda marble can be found in the ensuite bathroom, which features heated floors. Meanwhile, guest staterooms have varying colour schemes, with walnut joinery juxtaposing bright walls and overheads.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345256/image/large-e135e0b41624c7b18c968fa81d319308.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345256"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345265/image/large-cd1e3cbb033f0ea50c5643987ca2f7b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345265">As with most large sportfisher yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> features a mezzanine deck, which in this case is furnished with shaded seating with the option of facing aft, along with a main alfresco dining area. The presence of backlit pillars and a bespoke hand-blown glass chandelier suspended over the dining table give a touch of glamour to the mezzanine.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345269/image/large-e174560e13d64abad2a244f55faac77f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345269">From the mezzanine, twin curved stairways lead the way to the spacious fishing cockpit located below, where there are two boarding doors for boating a large fish and a fish prep station where the lures are prepared. Moreover, a retractable fish finder can be employed in the down position when cruising at speeds of up to 18 knots. Anglers are able to find a selection of rods, reels, spooling machines, and live bait freezers in the bait and tackle room, accessed by opening off the cockpit. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345271/image/large-cffe0e9ce14928aded01a6edf8fc8820.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345271"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> 's custom outriggers are the longest ever made for dragging baits well clear of the hull, while a stairway can be lowered from beneath the platform for easy access. This articulating stairway also has the option to rise and swivel, forming an alternative gangway to a dock or quay. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345287/image/large-3ce3780cbc74c78769fbe96dcebe60fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345287"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345282/image/large-09645247c36f4210475729dc54516df7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345282">Another highlight onboard the yacht is her spacious exterior cinema screen, which is on display once the roof of the tender garage opens up. This permanent projector compartment is watertight, and complete with its own cooling ducts. In addition, custom carbon fibre poles with integrated lighting slot into the deck to hold a canvas windbreak and awning, so that guests are shielded from the natural elements.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314892/image/large-57314370e399ebc083bf79479d8aaff6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314892">In terms of her propulsion system, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a>’s propellers are tested at MARIN, and feature overlapping blades to cover 140 percent of the wheel diameter. The sportfisher yacht has the ability to accelerate from 0 to 30 knots in 46 seconds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345285/image/large-fbf5cc7144ccac54ba69c5f42399a3ac.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345285"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345270/image/large-9a8a7945fc7281bfd69cb2ac431199ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345270" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">CEO Jan Timmerman stated: “While others said, “impossible,” we never say no. Instead, we are happy to take on challenges, embrace innovation and ensure every project we engineer and build is tailor made to the highest standards and as unique as every client. We were honest with the client that we had never built a yacht like this before, but we were certain that we could. With each project we sign, we begin by mapping the core competencies required and where we may need to add strength. Then we assess where we can find those skills or abilities in people we hire or in companies we partner with.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345273/image/large-e3c65df21bbbbe65f5becc1f21e807e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345273"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345284/image/large-427eea649a178db1c69095cbc4ffb4db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345284">“The owner says that building his first full-custom superyacht “has been a dream come true. To have shared every step of that experience with my family has made it even more memorable. The admiration from the docks that we received everywhere is quite unique, underlining that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> is a worthy icon,” Timmerman continued. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345247/image/large-07fcbf9adb126baf03e7a16bad18cea6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345247">“To build my first full custom superyacht has been a dream come true. To have shared every step of that experience with my family has made it even more memorable,” concluded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a>’s owner. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345274/image/large-bf5548b8f1076d643bde903408b05d99.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345274">

Onboard the 52m Royal Huisman yacht Special One 

 SuperYacht Times takes a first look at the interiors of the 52-metre Royal Huisman sportfisher yacht Special One. 


Onboard the 52m Royal Huisman sportfisher yacht Special One 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> has announced the delivery of the 52-metre sportfisher yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a>. Also known as Project 406, the yacht is set to depart from the shipyard in the Netherlands on her maiden voyage and is the world’s largest true sportfisher yacht. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314893/image/large-707de4b535f7f7a651f91755f918dd81.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314893"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project 406: World’s largest sportfish yacht unveiled (2021-04-19 12:00:00 +0200)">Project 406 was unveiled in April 2021</a>, with the contracts signed in 2020. Her <a href="http://52m%20Royal%20Huisman%20yacht%20Project%20406%20hits%20construction%20milestone" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">hull and superstructure were joined in 2022</a>, with the yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/59129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="52m Royal Huisman Project 406 superyacht nears completion (2023-11-17 12:30:00 +0100)">seen out of the shed for the first time in November 2023</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> was launched in February 2024 and has completed several different sea trials in the North Sea, close to the Netherlands. She spans six decks, with an interior volume of 500 GT and has been entirely crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack Yacht Design</a>.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60295" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman 52m sportfisher yacht named Special One (2024-04-26 12:45:00 +0200)">Royal Huisman 52m sportfisher yacht named Special One</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314894/image/large-aef83001e43dd953220928eb9fe58ba9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314894"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7676" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pascarelli Consulting (Company)">Pascarelli Consulting</a> acted as the owner's representative during her build, working with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bush & Noble (Company)">Bush &amp; Noble</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6165" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hampshire Marine (Company)">Hampshire Marine</a>.The Alustar® aluminum motor yacht was custom-built for an experienced owner, who has a deep passion for sportfishing. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> was tailored to meet a specific brief, with an extremely distinctive exterior design, long bow and high bulwarks sweeping through a clear sheer, to a low and uncluttered cockpit aft.Her high tower offers unobstructed views, as well as providing a downward angle onto the water for specialised fishing. The tower of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> also offers a superb viewing platform for guests, who can follow all the action below.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The history and evolution of Sportfisher yachts (2024-05-13 15:30:00 +0200)">The history and evolution of Sportfisher yachts</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314895/image/large-4f1adaa5644d1b8a43fe37eafd3ca15e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314895">“The delivery of Project 406 is a testament to our commitment to delivering unique and bespoke superyachts,” explained Jan Timmerman, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>. “This motor yacht project showcases our ability to create custom solutions that perfectly align with our client's vision.”“We are excited to see <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> embark on her journey and provide unforgettable experiences to her owner: the ultimate expression of personal freedom.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> will be presented by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2024">Monaco Yacht Show 2024</a>.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314892/image/large-57314370e399ebc083bf79479d8aaff6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314892">

52m Royal Huisman Project 406 sportfisher yacht Special One delivered

Royal Huisman has announced the delivery of the 52m sportfisher yacht Special One. The yacht is set to depart from the shipyard on her maiden voyage. 

Special One: World’s largest sportfisher yacht Royal Huisman Project 406 delivered

Specifically designed for offshore fishing, sport fishing boats or sportfisher yachts are purpose-built vessels that specialise in speed and comfort in rough seas, with the technical equipment for big game fishing adventures. Defined by their distinctive lines, long foredeck and flybridge tuna towers, their open layout makes them ideal for battling fish such as marlin and tuna, allowing anglers the opportunity to engage in intense battles with these prized game fish. But what caused the rise in sportfisher yachts?<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309285/image/large-9ffae369790b9262a91323cae1662b3c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309285">In the 1900s, anglers were having trouble fighting big fish while standing, they instead needed a place to sit while fishing with their equipment, prompting the need for seating arrangements during fishing excursions. Recognising the importance of enhanced visibility for targeting larger catches, captains began modifying their vessels. From here, boatbuilders and shipyards received requests to convert boats that had previously been used for catching fish on the market, into pleasure boats to catch fish for fun or sport.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311265/image/large-60391af01a8875f85cff2cb1dda7a3e6.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311265">One of the most famous sportfisher yachts of this era is the 38-foot Wheeler boat Pilar, owned by American novelist Ernest Hemingway. In April 1934, Hemingway commissioned Wheeler to build a modified pleasure yacht based on the shipyard’s Playmate model. Built as Wheeler Hull No. 576, she included a built-in fishing livewell for keeping fish alive onboard, engine set-up, and a roller on the transom to aid in hauling large fish onto the boat.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311264/image/large-2f5b39a549024d70c9435de745244ea3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311264">It is believed that Pilar, pictured above with Hemingway onboard, was named after his wife Pauline and was one of the first boats equipped with a flybridge and outriggers. According to her builder, she further cemented her legendary status when she was the first boat to bring a giant tuna to Bimini’s docks, undamaged by sharks. She evolved over the years as Hemingway fished onboard her, allowing him to spend longer periods of time at sea. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311267/image/large-960dc9e9eec7985fc5cc14dd772beaba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311267">The war effort helped to aid the development of technology and building materials, with the introduction of materials such as fibreglass being used for aircraft. Building on ideas and skills they had gained from World War II, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/243" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rybovich Shipyards (Company)">Rybovich</a> yard, based in Palm Beach County, Florida, developed a boat dedicated to sportfishing. The custom sportfisher, Miss Chevy II, was launched in 1947 and was credited as being one of the breakthrough yachts that influenced the modern sportfisher boat. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311266/image/large-b874438f748b8088823fa74f82f2ae58.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311266">A few years later in 1952, Miss Chevy IV was launched with what would become the signature Rybovich sportfisher look, with a broken sheer, an aluminium tuna-tower, and a transom door. This configuration granted owners extra headroom in the cabin forward, while also reducing the cockpit freeboard to make it easier to haul in large fish.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275430/image/large-43901b23dde49db5f09e2a44f49625b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275430">During this time, other boat builders started to establish themselves as key players in the postwar sportfishing scene. They made the decision to embrace either wood cold-moulding construction techniques, or the emerging fibreglass technology, to develop stronger and lighter boats, a competition that endures in today's market. This combination of factors spurred designers to push the boundaries, resulting in the creation of ever-larger, swifter vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/167093/image/large-1fd68c22f4ae9b2d8f65cf5c616491d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/167093">Amidst the ongoing evolution of sportfishing yacht construction techniques and propulsion systems, the yachts of today stand as testament to the industry's relentless pursuit of excellence. Modern sportfisher yachts have benefitted from advances in design, materials, and engineering to create faster and more fuel-efficient vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/106444/image/large-00c2ef30b99ee201ce039aa8653cdef5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/106444">Sportfisher yachts still remain popular, with the US dominating the market in both sales and construction. According to Pete Frederiksen, former marketing director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4332" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viking Yachts (Company)">Viking Yachts</a>, “Fishing in the US is so popular because of the variety, the accessibility and the number of tournaments that pop up all the time.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183885/image/large-b4e1c341eb744eb2f42e933d3d9bbf84.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183885">The rise may also be down to the plethora of fish available in US waters. Florida’s east coast is brimming with sailfish, tuna, grouper, kingfish to name a few, with the short journey to the Bahamas and the Caribbean boasting the opportunity to catch bonefish and blue marlins. As well as this, the rise may be down to versatility of sportfisher yachts. Non-angling boaters may choose a sportfisher yacht over other motor yachts, for their ability to handle the chop of waves or rougher waters, as well as their interiors which still remain as luxurious as other motor yachts.Insight: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48281" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Insight: Why does the US love sportfishers? (2018-03-21 10:45:00 +0100)">Why does the US love sportfishers?</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172912/image/large-bc3bda5745ae8ff9fd52c15df9c6f7ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172912">Although sportfishers are extremely popular in America, the market in Europe is significantly less. There may be several reasons for this, including stricter licensing requirements and a different style of boating in Europe. According to Roger Sowerbutts, the Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4828" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Horizon Yacht USA (Company)">Horizon Yachts USA</a>, “People [in Europe] aren’t down there raving about sportfishing.” Simply put, the boating style follows a rich heritage of luxury motor yacht design, much the same as the sportfisher presence in the States is propelled by its origination there.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300719/image/large-6e2e5994f9473045f70152974a71e6ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300719">In the present day, the average size of sportfishing yachts is around 27-metres and although the essence of these vessels remains largely unchanged, certain boats may exhibit varying degrees of flair and break the mould of previous designs. In recent months there has been one sportfisher yacht that has been dominating the headlines, Project 406, also known as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309795/image/large-502d838b06a956ec744697ee4ade1617.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309795">Built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> and measuring 52-metres, the yacht has garnered the title of the ‘world’s largest true sport fisherman yacht,’ and has aptly been named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a>. Designed for an experienced owner who is passionate about fishing, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> houses six decks, with an interior volume of around 500 GT. &nbsp;She has been entirely crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a> and is characterised by a long bow and high bulwarks sweeping through a clear sheer, to a low and uncluttered cockpit aft. Her high tower offers outstanding views, with a downward angle on the water for specialised sportfishing. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7676" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pascarelli Consulting (Company)">Pascarelli Consulting</a> acted as the owner's representative during her build, working with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bush & Noble (Company)">Bush &amp; Noble</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6165" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hampshire Marine (Company)">Hampshire Marine</a>.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60295" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman 52m sportfisher yacht named Special One (2024-04-26 12:45:00 +0200)">Royal Huisman 52m sportfisher yacht named Special One</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309793/image/large-d942cc388cac5dca95fb57de14682229.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309793">Special One</a>’s design blends the ultimate sports fishing experience with genuine superyacht scale, comfort, and refinement. Her Alustar aluminium hull and superstructure offer strength and resilience, while her lightweight design facilitates smooth and efficient passages from berth to fishing grounds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309796/image/large-fb5955ee31ea0a2ba27434cfb0aac6c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309796">“Not only is she the largest, but without a doubt, the most bespoke, finely appointed, meticulously engineered, and most impressive true sportfish yacht anywhere in the world, matching a typical bespoke <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> motor yacht,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>. &nbsp;“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Special One52.0m (170'7&quot;)Royal Huisman2024">Special One</a> will turn heads wherever she goes.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309794/image/large-69bca1261eec8c4d3d54306d6a75e1d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309794">From the humble beginnings of vessels like Pilar, to the groundbreaking designs of Miss Chevy IV and beyond, each era has contributed to the refinement and advancement of these purpose-built vessels.

What is a Sportfisher Yacht?

Defined by their distinct lines, long foredeck and flybridge tuna towers, sportfisher yachts have evolved over the years.