In South America, yachting is a family affair. Cuba offers cultural history, the Virgin Islands boast volcanic characteristics, and the Galapagos are a plethora of marine life, but for boat owners across the continent the fun factor centres around multi-generational life on the water. As such, for the owners of Vripack’s MCP-121’ – the family’s second yacht from the Dutch design studio – maximising onboard space was a matter of priority.
Built by Brazilian shipyard MCP Yachts, MCP-121’ is Vripack’s third collaboration with the full-custom, full aluminium specialist boatbuilder. It’s a step up in size from the owners’ previous 75-foot boat. Central to the brief was preserving their love of anchoring in small bays. To mitigate losing that, the 121-footer strikes a careful balance with social areas that maintain convenience and flexibility. This point is emphasised by Vripack’s smart architecture and layout.
“As the family has grown, so has the budget and their needs. When you step aboard, it’s immediately apparent that not one square foot is unused. There are seating areas, dining tables, bars, lounges and even a top deck viewing platform. The design focuses on creating a pocket family boat that everyone can enjoy together.”
BART M. BOUWHUIS, CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Al fresco dining is granted on virtually every deck, planned for regular use and to accommodate large groups. A super homely environment is emphasised by the warm, rich, wood-heavy trends of Latin America. The exterior with a pronounced grain teak decking and loose furniture in matte varnish. Inside, slatted oak wall panels, stairs and finishes in a grey wash for a contemporary, Scandinavian twist. Clear sight lines out to sea and a muted colour palette allow the beautiful surroundings to do all the talking.
In key areas where symmetry typically rules, an a-symmetric layout prioritises function. A seating area is positioned starboard and a bed to port in the owner’s suite. In the main salon, a tv sideboard and formal dining sit starboard allowing for relaxed sofas and a large galley to port. Centred stairs on the lower deck aft create pockets for a beach club, fitness room and storage, while on the main deck, al fresco dining is to port and sun pads starboard.
The MCP 121’ is a boat with family cruising built into its bones. A 23-foot tender lives on the foredeck. A top speed of 21 knots delivers fast-paced thrills. Vripack’s signature ambient lighting, with recessed illumination and soft, glowing wall lights, transitions seamlessly from morning through night. But the best seat in the house is reserved for the boutique sized top deck – a modern crow’s nest with comfort and style.
“For the owners, it’s less about world travel and more about touring together. They liked our studio’s approach to layout, in that the boat needs to match the family lifestyle, rather than the family having to fit around a typical yacht design.”
BART M. BOUWHUIS – CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR
“The family loved the idea of being able to retreat a little bit further together, to get a higher viewpoint when entering a bay without needing to disperse and the idea evolved from there.”
BART M. BOUWHUIS, CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR
| Current name | MCP – 121 |
| Type of vessel | Family M.Y. |
| Design number | 7445 |
| Length over all | 37,7 M |
| Beam | 8,89 M |
| Draft | 2,25 M |
| Exterior Design | Vripack |
| Interior Design | Vripack |
| Naval Architecture | Vripack |
| Engeneering | MCP |
| Hull type | Semi-displacement |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Classification | RINA |
| Engine | 2 Caterpillar engines, model C18 |
| Speed (cruising/max) | 11 knots / 20 knots |
| Fuel capacity | 53.000 L |
| Fresh water capacity | 13.000 L |
| Grey / black water capacity | 8.400 L |
| Owner & Guest | 12 persons |
| Crew | 8 persons |
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