Having launched in September 2023, Ares Yachts is just a few months old, but the shipyard has already shown a lot of promise with its first superyacht project – the 62-metre steel-hulled cruising ketch Simena, which is currently under construction.
Named after an ancient city in Antalya province, which is only accessible by sea, Simena is Ares Yachts’ flagship. Penned by Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited, the sailing yacht is a “blend of traditional sailing and modern technology”, featuring a carbon-epoxy superstructure and all-aluminium masts. With her power provided by hybrid propulsion, Simena has a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots. When launched, she will become one of 12 sailing yachts in the 60-metre-plus category under 500GT.
Simena’s exterior lines evoke a more traditional sailing yacht style. To achieve this, the shipyard will use sustainably sourced Myanmar teak decking in all exterior areas, whilst mahogany is used for the steering wheels.
“The main inspiration behind the exterior lines was the clipper ships - especially the bow with fully rigged bowsprit and trail board,” explains Osman Tanju Kalaycioglu, naval architect and owner of Taka Yacht Design. “One can also find some resemblances with the early steam yachts, sharing lovely, classic sheer lines.”
Destination anywhere
The design prioritises generous living volumes under a carbon fibre superstructure and an easily driven steel hull for fast, responsive sailing. Simena also boasts some distinctly contemporary technology. Notably, the sophisticated hybrid drive system will allow the yacht to operate silently under electric power at up to six knots. The captain will have six control modes, from pure sailing mode to e-support to combined propulsion mode.
Her 220kW electric motors can also be supplemented by an 882kW diesel engine for a top speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles at her 11-knot cruising pace.
"Simena is equipped with an electronic remote-control system for propulsion with controllable pitch propellers, all designed according to the fail-safe principle with a high level of redundancy,” says Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, managing director of Ares Yachts. “The system is very user-friendly, highly accurate, advanced and flexible with six modes.”
With rigging designed by Chris Mitchell, Simena will have a 59.5-metre main mast, 48.7-metre mizzen mast, 470-square-metre mainsail, 597-square-metre genoa and a 356-square-metre staysail, all of which will be supplied by the industry’s top players, including Doyle, Dokar, Bamar and OMS.
Designed to RINA Class C, Simena has versatile cruising capabilities, including warm and humid climates as well as winter conditions of up to minus five degrees Celsius. She can happily tackle any of the world’s oceans in total safety and comfort.
Style and comfort
Simena’s interior will pay homage to the classic inspiration visible externally. Design Unlimited has developed a calming, neutral palette that includes in a range of materials, from tactile woven metals and leathers to alluring stones and soft furnishings.
Guests can take advantage of various luxury onboard amenities, including a Jacuzzi and sun pads aft of a large, covered cockpit. The flybridge offers shade and stunning vistas, whilst there is also a more private foredeck lounge. A deckhouse saloon offers formal dining and lounging, all with fantastic sea views.
Accommodation is designed for up to 12 guests and nine crew. The full-beam owner’s suite is positioned in pride of place: forward on the main deck. It also features a generous ensuite, dressing room and a hot tub.
Mark Tucker, creative director of Design Unlimited, draws attention to the soft edges of her furniture, generous handrails in transition spaces and the “clean, relaxed geometry” of both her guest accommodation and ensuites – cleverly designed to still offer guests ample stowage.
Notably, to preserve the overall, clean visuals of her interior spaces, modern elements of her design have been carefully hidden in key spaces, such as TV lifts within the saloon and master suite. This enables guests to enjoy all of the comforts of contemporary living, whilst still being transported to the “golden era” of yachting. In terms of the materials chosen, walnut provides the basis for the interior and is complemented by tonal textured leathers and fabrics, with antiqued brass accents throughout.
To enhance guests’ experience on board, the yacht features an innovative and user-friendly AV system with professional sound, allowing a unique audio and visual experience on board. Guests will have the flexibility to customise audio settings, volume levels and even lighting preferences for independent zones.
What’s next for Ares Yachts?
Simena is scheduled to launch before the end of 2024. At the same time, Ares Yachts is working on several new motor superyacht projects - the 50.6-metre Spitfire has been designed in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects and Bannenberg & Rowell Design, and the 54-metre Atlas is in the works with Hot Lab and Van Oossanen Naval Architects. Additionally, the builder plans to introduce a new Ares Superyacht Range with lengths of 65 metres, 75 metres and 85 metres.
For more information about Simena or Ares Yachts, contact the shipyard today.
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