Naturally, as cruising couples have children, they soon realize they want and need more space. Then, families become multi-generational. When semi-custom designs don’t cut it, they turn to custom yacht construction. Such is the case with the owners of the MCP 121. She’s their second custom yacht and second Vripack design, too.
In fact, the owners’ previous yacht, a 75-footer (22.86-meter), additionally saw construction at Brazil-based MCP Yachts. The common bonds go deeper than that as well. The 43-year-old shipyard is family-run, and has been since it opened. It’s located in Santos, the largest port in South America. Interestingly, Vripack has collaborated a few times with MCP Yachts, it’s worth noting.
With four staterooms below decks and the master suite on the main deck, the MCP 121 (121 feet/36.88 meters) was more than a desire. “As the family has grown, so has the budget and their needs,” explains Bart Bouwhuis, Vripack’s co-creative director. “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.” To that point, the owners intend to eat outdoors regularly, so they’ve put alfresco dining areas on every deck. These same dining areas can accommodate all the generations as well. Other spaces, meanwhile, are purposely flexible, depending on the desire of the day.
Slatted-oak paneling, a good deal of wood overall, modern grey-wash finishes, and subdued tones create the home-away-from-home environment the owners want. The materials and colors are everywhere, from the open-plan saloon and dining area to the owners’ suite, which features a seating area opposite the bed. Similarly, out on deck, teak planking with pronounced grains and loose teak furnishings make the family members feel welcome. Finally, they’re enjoying a beach club and fitness room below decks.
Since MCP Yachts specializes in aluminum projects, the shipyard could meet the owners’ non-negotiable request for anchoring in small bays. The lightweight construction also allows for a top speed of 21 knots, to make quick work of getting to those anchorages. Once the anchor is set, the family has a real treat: a crow’s-nest-like top deck. “The family loved the idea of being able to retreat a little further together, to get a higher viewpoint when entering a bay without needing to disperse,” Bouwhuis explains.
At the end of the day, one simple idea remains. “For the owners, it’s less about world travel and more about touring together,” he asserts.
MCP Yachts mcpyachts.com.br
Vripack vripack.com
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