Dutch design studio Vripack has unveiled new details about the 50-metre superyacht Project Milky Ways, which is currently under construction at Brazilian shipyard MCP Yachts. When complete, Project Milky Ways will be the largest superyacht ever built in Brazil. Delivery is scheduled for June 2027.
The sale of the 50-metre project was first announced in October 2024. While details remained minimal, the yacht was recognised as the shipyard's largest yacht project to date, sold to an experienced yachtsman. MCP introduced the owner to Vripack, with the studio responsible for the exterior and naval architecture. Meanwhile, the interior design, project management and construction will be completed in-house by the yard.
According to Vripack, the owner was seeking a "floating sanctuary", versatile for both private time with family and friends as well as a professional retreat for clients and business associates. Despite the owner previously spending time onboard 1,000GT charter yachts, Project Milky Ways has been drawn as a smaller, 499GT, semi-planing yacht, constructed entirely in aluminium. When delivered, she will cruise exclusively in Brazilian and Caribbean waters.
“The brief was to develop a boat that is as multifunctional as possible, with areas dedicated to both the owner’s large family and business, and that meant the layout needed to be rather special,” explained Vripack co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis. “Fitting all the amenities and space that the owner enjoys in larger yachts into a 499GT boat presented quite the challenge, but one that we overcame with smart design.”
A notable feature of the 50-metre is its "people pad": described by Vripack as an overwater terrace above the main deck aft that acts as a separate, open-air lounge area. Complete with a double-sided bar that serves both spaces, Bouwhuis explained that the "people pad" has been designed as if a second sundeck - bringing the most exposed onboard space closer to the water.
Another owner request was for a plumb bow, contributing to Project Milky Ways' slender profile while simultaneously allowing for an increased interior volume for generous crew cabins, optimised service flow and a larger bridge. Elsewhere on the lower deck lies a sheltered beach club with a sauna, fitness area, dayhead and a custom oversized spa pool. The space also benefits from twin side terraces that can be lowered to extend the footprint by 40 per cent.
The bridge deck is home to cosy seating, a firepit and al fresco dining, though the forward helideck is a notable mention - capable of carrying an Airbus EC145 or, when not in use, doubling as a basketball court. Beneath this is a "discreet" enclosed garage for a seven-metre Castoldi tender, while up top on the sundeck, a sit-up bar, sun loungers and a glass-fronted pool complete the amenities outside.
“The exterior layout is all about layering to ensure we maximise the yacht’s functionality,” said Bouwhuis. “The owner requested a lot of flexibility for business, along with large windows and plenty of flowing curves to keep him connected to his surroundings.”
Inside, custom additions include a main deck cigar lounge with a fold-down balcony and television, plus a bar and 250-bottle-plus walk-in wine cellar in the bridge deck skylounge. The owner also requested two offices on board: one is large and found on the bridge deck, while the other is smaller and leads into the full-beam main deck master suite. The remaining accommodation is across two sizable VIP cabins and two twins on the lower deck.
The Dutch studio recently unveiled the first interior renderings of Alia Yachts' 60-metre project Serenity, which is scheduled for delivery in 2026, according to BOATPro.
Read More/Vripack unveils interiors of 60m in-build Alia Yachts project Serenity