Milky Ways: the largest Brazilian yacht
Dutch design studio Vripack has released the first detailed information about the 50-metre superyacht Project Milky Ways, currently under construction at Brazilian shipyard MCP Yachts. Once completed, the yacht will become the largest superyacht ever built in Brazil, with delivery scheduled for June 2027.
According to Vripack, the owner envisioned Project Milky Ways as a “floating sanctuary” suitable both for private time with family and friends and for hosting clients and business associates. Although accustomed to spending time on 1,000GT charter yachts, the owner opted for a more compact 499GT semi-planing yacht, built entirely in aluminium.
“The brief was to create a yacht that is as multifunctional as possible, with dedicated areas for a large family as well as business use,” said Vripack co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis. “Incorporating the space and amenities typically found on much larger yachts into a 499GT platform was a challenge, but one we addressed through smart design solutions.”
One of the yacht’s standout features is the so-called “people pad” – an overwater terrace positioned above the main deck aft. Designed as a separate open-air lounge, it features a double-sided bar serving both levels and effectively functions as a second sundeck, bringing the most open social area closer to the water.
Another key owner request was a plumb bow, which contributes to the yacht’s sleek, elongated profile while also increasing interior volume. This allowed for more spacious crew accommodation, improved service flow and a larger bridge. On the lower deck, a sheltered beach club houses a sauna, gym, dayhead and a custom oversized spa pool. Twin side terraces can be lowered to expand the area by up to 40 per cent.
The bridge deck offers relaxed seating areas, a firepit and al fresco dining, while forward lies a helideck capable of accommodating an Airbus EC145 helicopter or, when not in use, doubling as a basketball court. Below the helideck is a discreet enclosed garage for a seven-metre Castoldi tender. The sundeck is dedicated to leisure, with a sit-up bar, sun loungers and a glass-fronted swimming pool.
“The exterior layout is all about layering, ensuring maximum functionality,” Bouwhuis added. “The owner wanted flexibility for business use, combined with large windows and flowing curves to maintain a strong connection with the surroundings.”
Performance-wise, Project Milky Ways is expected to reach a top speed of 21 knots and offer a range of 3,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots.
Interiors will feature a number of bespoke elements, including a main deck cigar lounge with a fold-down balcony and television, as well as a bridge deck skylounge with a bar and a walk-in wine cellar holding more than 250 bottles. The owner also requested two offices on board: a large office on the bridge deck and a smaller private office connected to the full-beam main deck owner’s suite. Additional guest accommodation includes two spacious VIP cabins and two twin cabins on the lower deck.
