All in the family
For the owners of Vripack’s MCP 121, the family’s second yacht from the Dutch design studio, maximising space on board was a top priority.
08 December 2021
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In South America, yachting is a family affair. The fun factor centres around multi-generational life on the water for boat owners across the continent.
Built by Brazilian shipyard MCP Yachts, MCP 121 is Vripack’s third collaboration with the full-custom, full aluminium specialist boatbuilder and the family’s second yacht from the Dutch design studio.
It’s a step up in size from the owners’ previous 75-foot boat, but central to the brief was preserving their love of anchoring in small bays. The 121-footer strikes a careful balance with social areas that maintain convenience and flexibility to mitigate losing that. This point is emphasised by Vripack’s innovative architecture and layout.
“As the family has grown, so has the budget and their needs,” says Vripack’s co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis.
“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.
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“For the owners, it’s less about world travel and more about touring together,” says Bouwhuis.
“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.”
Alfresco dining is granted on virtually every deck, planned for regular use and accommodating large groups.
A 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 sightlines 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. A TV sideboard and formal dining sit starboard in the main salon allow 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.
“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,” explains Bouwhuis, “and the idea evolved from there.”
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