Inside Milky Way: Brazil’s Largest Private Yacht Designed for Work and Family Life 

Until recently, stepping down in size might have meant reducing onboard lifestyle features, but the owner behind the Milky Way superyacht project has joined the many who are challenging this assumption. After years of chartering significantly larger yachts, he wanted something within the sub-500GT threshold without sacrificing amenities or flexibility, resulting in a platform ideal for hosting both family and business associates.

The result is the 164’ (50m) concept developed not as a scaled-down yacht but as a rebalanced one. Designed by the prestigious Dutch design team Vripack, the yacht joins this growing movement toward highly personalized yachts. Currently under construction at the MCP shipyard, the yacht will be the largest privately built yacht to come out of Brazil, scheduled for delivery in June 2027.

Work-Life At Sea

As part of the “floating sanctuary” brief, the owner requested a layout that prioritized space for privacy with family and friends while also allowing him to work and entertain his business clients. Therefore, a multifunctional space and flexibility were key.

Onboard, there will be two dedicated offices to underline this philosophy, a large workspace connected to the sky lounge for himself, and a smaller space connected to the owner’s full-beam suite, designed for his wife. To maintain a connection to the sea, the yacht boasts flowing curves and expansive glazing throughout.

Photo from Vripack

Maximizing Space

Remaining under the 500GT threshold results in regulatory and operational efficiency while still offering a range of features and amenities. Vripack’s slender profile and plumb bow maximize internal volume without visual bulk, while the full-aluminium construction supports the yacht’s performance.

The yacht’s exterior decks are designed like modular environments. The standout feature is the so-called “people pad”—an open-air terrace above the main deck aft that functions as a second sundeck. A double-sided bar serves both deck levels, allowing events and social gatherings to flow.

Additional highlights include the bridge-deck alfresco dining space around a fire pit, a walk-in wine cellar for 250 bottles and magnums, a main-deck cigar lounge with a large-screen TV, and a fold-down balcony.

Lifestyle Layouts

The yacht has been designed around a five-cabin layout, with an owner’s suite, two large VIP cabins, and two twin guest cabins. Luxury lifestyle amenities also include a forward helideck that can accommodate an Airbus EC145 and also doubles as a basketball court. At the same time, an enclosed tender will be home to a tender and toys.

Wellness facilities have also been considered. A beach club with sauna, gym, and oversized spa pool, which can be expanded by twin fold-out terraces that increase space by roughly 40%. This extendable space is another factor that helps ensure the yacht feels significantly larger.

Built In Brazil, For Brazil 

The Milky Way project has been optimized for regional exploration, primarily for cruising Brazilian and Caribbean waters. The semi-planing hull supports speeds up to 21 knots, while at 11 knots the yacht can cruise up to 3,500 nautical miles.

This superyacht project signals a design shift taken on by many today: bigger may not always be better. There are various additional design considerations and questions to address. Can the yacht support both family life and professional endeavors? Can it host events smoothly while maintaining sufficient privacy? Does it still include favored amenities and remain under 500GT? With a thoughtful brief, design teams can now tick these boxes and requests.