Vripack has shared the images of a new 40m project that is a boat that is pandemic-proof. An explorer that unites the convenient spoils of shoreside hospitality with the comfort of a home on the water. Designed for a first-time yacht owner, the Vripack boat is both a Mediterranean cruiser and go-anywhere trooper. It blurs the lines between a European family holiday-home and a global mobile bolthole.
For the novice owner with no broker, representative or idea where to start, the story began with Amazon. A Google search for books on great yacht design brought him to the doors of Vripack, whose robust, all-encompassing, trawler-style boats hit the sweet spot.
The exterior needed to be masculine, warrior-like and hardy. The interior was to echo the family’s finely styled residences; a hint of Scandi-chic meets laidback beach house. Central to the design is the dedicated owner’s deck. The owner’s level enjoys a glass-encased full-beam amidships suite, with a large, equipped gym forward that looks out onto the raised main deck. It’s connected to a relaxation area with bow seating. Romantic touches include a full-sized bathtub in the bedroom, with a walk-in wardrobe concealed behind the contemporary four-poster bed.
"This design started out as a floating hotel room and evolved into a boat that could deliver safe passage at sea for an unlimited time period. It's a home, hotel and yacht rolled into one," says Marnix Hoekstra, Vripack co-creative director.
The main deck houses a full-beam VIP forward and an open-plan salon, dining, socializing workspace. Family-friendly details are found in the children’s zone with a nest chair (first developed in Vripack’s design innovation hub, the Vripack Brewery) and a smoked-glass wine cabinet that helps to transition the interior ambience from day to night. A combination of natural lights and dark shadows draw guests into the heart of the yacht. It’s a theme that’s mirrored in the contrasting tones and textures of French oak, cream linen and tan leathers.
True to Vripack form, the bridge deck enjoys an elevated wheelhouse and a dedicated boat deck for a 12m Axopar tender, bikes and large toys. Atop the bridge, a sun deck with viewing seats and hot tub. Four further guest cabins reside on the lower deck.
Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.
Credits: Vripack