Founded in September 2023, the Turkish shipyard Ares Yachts is now presenting the 62-metre ketch "Simena", which is due to be delivered soon. Named after an ancient city in the province of Antalya that can only be reached by boat, the young shipyard's flagship embodies a symbiosis of traditional boatbuilding and modern technology.
Classic design
The yacht designed by Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited with its classic lines is reminiscent of clipper ships and early steamships. "The main inspiration for the exterior design was the old clipper ships - especially the bow with the long bowsprit," explains Osman Tanju Kalaycioglu, Naval Architect and owner of Taka Yacht Design. The hull was welded from steel and the superstructure was made from carbon fibre. The masts are made of aluminium.
Six drive modes for a minimal footprint
"Simena" has a hybrid drive system that enables six different operating modes - from pure sailing mode to combined drive mode. The 220-kilowatt electric motors can - if desired - be supplemented by an 882-kilowatt diesel engine. This enables the yacht to reach a top speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of eleven knots. In pure e-mode, "Simena" can cruise quietly and completely emission-free for a few hours at speeds of up to six knots.
Exclusive interior design
In the interior, the Design Unlimited team has opted for a calming, neutral colour palette with a variety of high-quality materials. The selection ranges from woven metal threads and leather to precious stones and soft fabrics. Features include a Jacuzzi and sunbeds aft of a large, covered cockpit. The flybridge offers shade and a great view, while the 62-metre ketch with a total of 1423 square metres of canvas ploughs through the sea on the wind.
Spacious room layout
"Simena" offers space for up to twelve guests and nine crew members. The owner's suite extends across the full width of the ship and is located at the front of the main deck. It has a spacious bathroom, a dressing room and its own whirlpool. Mark Tucker, creative director and founder of Design Unlimited, emphasises the soft edges of the furniture, the generous handrails in the transition areas and the "clear and relaxed geometry" in both the guest cabins and the bathrooms.
Powerful rig
The rig was designed by Chris Mitchell and comprises a 59.5 metre high main mast and a 48.7 metre high mizzen mast. The mainsail measures 470, the genoa 597 and the staysail 356 square metres. "Simena" will be RINA Class C certified and has been designed to sail worldwide. When it is launched, the steel/carbon ketch will be one of twelve sailing yachts over 60 metres in length with an interior volume of less than 500 gross tonnes.
Outlook for future projects
While "Simena" is due to be delivered this summer, Ares Yachts is already working on other large yacht projects. The 50.6 metre motor yacht "Spitfire" was developed in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects and Bannenberg & Rowell Design. The 54 metre long "Atlas", designed by Hot Lab and Van Oossanen Naval Architects, is also in the planning phase. The newcomers are also working on the launch of a new superyacht line with lengths of 65, 75 and 85 metres.
Technical specifications "Simena":
- Length: 62 metres
- Hull material: steel
- Structure: Carbon
- Masts: Aluminium
- Drive: Hybrid (electric motors + diesel engine)
- Range: 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots
- Guests: 12
- Crew: 9
- Main mast height: 59.5 metres
- Height of mizzen mast: 48.7 metres
- Mainsail: 470 square metres
- Genoa: 597 square metres
- staysail: 356 square metres
