“Simena”: 62 metres of classic elegance with a modern hybrid propulsion system

​Moored alongside the 79-metre-long “Hampshire II” and the 141-metre “YAS” in the harbour of the Principality of Monaco is the first sailing yacht built by the Ares shipyard in Antalya. The 62-metre vessel bears the evocative name “Simena” – named after an ancient city on the Turkish Riviera. Just as beautiful as the ancient castle near the island of Kekova is the yacht named after it: a successful blend of a classic ketch exterior and a contemporary interior, without appearing overloaded or too modern.

​​More about the “Simena”:

• ​Ares Yachts’ 62-metre flagship
• ​Ares Yachts launches its flagship
• ​62-metre ketch seeks owner

With ‘Simena’, a new class of sailing yacht takes to the stage, designed without compromise for comfort and worldwide cruising. The two-masted yacht was built on a speculative basis for a select group of owners who wish to stand out in a understated way. For the vessel, priced at 45.9 million euros, the shipyard is specifically seeking a buyer with a keen sense of style and an appreciation for nostalgic lines. In conversation with Northrop & Johnson broker Sean McCarter, it becomes clear that, from both his perspective and that of the shipyard, only a small circle of clients is being considered.

This yacht is not a lifestyle product; it is a statement. Perhaps similar to a venerable Bentley or a vintage Porsche. Although even this comparison is only partly apt, as the yacht’s interior has been designed as a blend of old and new. To stick with the automotive analogy, one might describe it as a ‘restomod’ of a Porsche G-model.

Many super-sailboats today try to look as futuristic as possible: aggressive lines, dark glass surfaces, maximum visual impact. The Ares ketch deliberately takes a different approach. The long foredeck, the clearly defined superstructure and the balanced proportions are more reminiscent of traditional large-scale vessels than of short-lived design fads. “The greatest inspiration for the exterior lines came from clipper ships – particularly the bow with its fully rigged bowsprit,” explains Osman Tanju Kalaycioglu, designer and owner of Taka Yacht Design. “You can also see certain similarities with early steamships, which also feature a beautiful, classic deck break.”

Hybrid drive and six operating modes

The hull and main deck are made of AH36 steel, whilst the superstructure is a carbon sandwich. The result: maximum rigidity combined with reduced weight – which is good for sailing and the centre of gravity. The new 62-metre vessel is also technically impressive, with a modern, parallel-configured hybrid system at its heart. A MAN diesel engine works in conjunction with a Servogears Ecoflow drive system, including a controllable-pitch propeller, and is supplemented by a 220-kilowatt electric motor. Onboard power is supplied by three diesel generators with a combined output of 258 kilowatts. Steering is controlled via an electro-hydraulic rudder system operating as a single-rudder system; a 120-kilowatt bow thruster and a 100-kilowatt stern thruster assist with harbour manoeuvres.

There are a total of six different operating modes available: in pure diesel mode, the twelve-cylinder engine powers the 570-tonne vehicle, whilst in electric mode, only the electric motor is in operation. Combined operation not only provides propulsion but also generates electrical energy at the same time. In fully electric mode, the diesel engine is used solely for power generation. When sailing, the rotation of the propeller can be used to generate energy in what is known as hydro-generator mode. And in pure sailing mode, neither the diesel nor the electric motor is running – the propeller is then in feathering mode, thereby offering minimal resistance.

The energy required is stored in a small battery bank; there is no large storage system capable of bridging several hours or days. Consequently, a generator is running almost all the time. “The entire system was developed according to the fail-safe principle with a high degree of redundancy,” says Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Managing Director of Ares Yachts. “Everything is very user-friendly, precise, advanced and flexible.”

Designed as a true sailing yacht for long voyages

It is precisely when sailing under sail that it becomes clear that the yacht is not intended to be a floating boutique hotel that uses its sails merely for decoration. Rather, the shipyard’s stated aim was to build a genuine sailing yacht, with the appropriate range and robustness, as well as dual-redundant systems, generously sized maintenance areas and easily accessible technical components.

With a total propulsion power of 1,102 kilowatts, the “Simena” reaches a maximum speed of 14 knots; her comfortable cruising speed is 11 knots, giving her a range of around 4,000 nautical miles. In particularly efficient operation, a range of up to 6,000 nautical miles at 9 knots is possible – and even further under sail, of course. This clearly places the yacht firmly in the category of genuine long-range cruisers. Plans could include extended Mediterranean voyages as well as Atlantic crossings or longer stays in remote waters.

Plenty of space for guests, crew and comfort

The elegant living areas received at least as much attention. “Simena” was designed to accommodate up to twelve guests, who are looked after by a crew of up to nine. The forward lower deck houses the spacious owner’s suite with a separate bathroom, lounge sofa, vanity table and dressing area. The centrepiece here is the freestanding marble-framed bath, for which Ares opted for a sandwich construction to keep the weight down. Five double cabins, two of which have twin beds, complete the layout. At the stern are the crew and service areas, comprising a separate crew mess, galley and engine room.

On the starboard side, guests can access the fold-out bathing platform via a side staircase. This is also where the tender, designed to resemble the mother ship and which doubles as a lifeboat, moors. The main deck is modelled more closely on the familiar superyacht lifestyle, both in terms of its appearance and its dimensions.

The aft deck features sun loungers, a jacuzzi and lounge furniture. The adjustable outdoor dining table can seat up to 14 guests. The layout is complemented by a wet bar and wide walkways. Sliding doors connect the outdoor and indoor areas almost seamlessly.

In terms of interior design, the “Simena” is hardly outdone by her modern sisters. The saloon is characterised by warm materials, lavish sofa arrangements and plenty of natural light. The style remains pleasantly understated: plenty of wood, light-coloured fabrics and classic proportions, rather than over-the-top design statements. The British studio Design Unlimited opted for a restrained approach. The wheelhouse is designed to be both highly functional and comfortable, featuring an integrated leather bench seat and direct access to the captain’s office.

High standards of quality on their debut

The 62-metre sailing yacht’s debut also demonstrates the shipyard’s high standards when it comes to on-board systems. The air conditioning, water treatment, fire protection and safety systems are all top-of-the-range. The hull has been finished with an Awlgrip system in ‘Light Ivory’, whilst all decks are laid with solid, certified teak planks. Joint gaps, material transitions and surface quality are all of the highest standard. This is precisely why ‘Simena’ is likely to attract a great deal of attention far beyond the circle of classic sailing yacht enthusiasts. She is a successful first sailing prestige yacht from the Turkish shipyard in Antalya.

Technical specifications of the “Simena”

• ​Overall length: 62.00 m
• Length (LWL): 49.40 m
• Width: 11.10 m
• Draught: 4.72 m
• Displacement (empty): 570 t
• Wing area: 1,584 m²
• Material: Steel, carbon
• Engine (MAN): 882 kW

Long range thanks to the generator: is this still a true sailing yacht concept, or is it exactly the right compromise for this size class? Share your thoughts in the comments.