But what can the owner of this extraordinary new building expect?
Classic design
With its traditional lines, the two-master is reminiscent of clippers 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, designer and owner of the Turkish studio Taka Yacht Design, which was responsible for the exterior. The hull was welded from steel, while the superstructure was made from carbon fibre. The masts are made of aluminium.
"Simena": Modern technology and six drive modes
"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 electric mode, "Simena" can cruise quietly and completely emission-free for a few hours at speeds of up to six knots.
Elegant interior with high-quality materials
Inside the XL ketch, the atmosphere is one of understated elegance. Walnut cabinets, tonal textured leathers and fabrics and patinated brass accents create a multi-layered atmosphere. The showers are adorned with patterned tiles and luxurious Calacatta Oro and Patagonia White marble. Modern entertainment systems and TVs in the saloon and owner's suite are discreetly concealed to preserve the yacht's timeless spirit. The aim of the interior designers at Design Unlimited was to create a perfect balance between classic sailing charm and modern luxury.
Successful test drives
"This is a really proud moment for our entire team," says Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Yacht Projects Director at Ares Yachts. "'Simena' exceeded our expectations during testing and impressed with speed, manoeuvrability and smoothness under hybrid and sail propulsion. She epitomises everything we wanted to achieve - performance, comfort and timeless elegance."
"Simena" also has exclusive facilities for charter guests
Features include a whirlpool and sun loungers aft of a large, covered cockpit. The flybridge offers shade and a great view, while the 62-metre ketch ploughs through the sea on the wind with a total of 1423 square metres of canvas.
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.
Ares Yachts: 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
- Height of main mast: 59.5 metres
- Height of mizzen mast: 48.7 metres
- Mainsail: 470 square metres
- Genoa: 597 square metres
- Staysail: 356 square metres
Click here for the Ranking of the largest sailing yachts in the world.
