It is moored alongside the Hampshire II and the YAS in the harbour of the Principality of Monaco: the first sailing yacht from the Turkish shipyard Ares. The 62-metre vessel bears the illustrious name Simena - named after an ancient Lycian city on the Turkish Riviera. The yacht itself is as beautiful as this place: a successful combination of classic exterior and modern interior, without appearing overloaded or "too fancy".
The Simena is a sailing yacht that is uncompromisingly designed for comfort and worldwide usability. The cruising ketch combines classic elegance with state-of-the-art technology - built for a very small circle of people who can call themselves owners and want to know no boundaries. Not primarily because the ship is comparatively overpriced, but because the shipyard is specifically looking for an owner with a pronounced sense of style and an appreciation of classic lines.
In conversation with yacht broker Sean McCarter, it becomes clear that both he and the shipyard only cater to a very exclusive clientele. The yacht is not a lifestyle product for everyone - it is a statement. Perhaps comparable to a classic Bentley or a vintage Porsche - although even this comparison is only partially valid. The exterior of the yacht is classic, while the interior is pleasant and harmoniously modern. If you stick to the automotive image, you could speak of a restomod of a Porsche G model.
Even at first glance from the jetty, it is clear that there is substance here. The hull and main deck are made of AH36 steel. A lightweight yet extremely stable superstructure made of carbon sandwich rises above this. The result: maximum rigidity with reduced weight.
Drive & efficiency
The 203-foot-long boat is also technically impressive across the board. The beating heart of the Turkish construction is an ultra-modern, parallel hybrid system. A MAN diesel engine works together with a Servogear Ecoflow propulsion system including a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) and is supplemented by a 220 kW electric motor. According to the shipyard, this combination enables particularly quiet and efficient operation.
The power supply on board is provided by three diesel generators with a total output of 258 kW. The vessel is steered with an electro-hydraulic steering system as a single rudder system. A 120 kW bow thruster and a 100 kW stern thruster provide support when travelling in harbours.
The versatility of the system is particularly impressive: a total of six different operating modes are available. In pure diesel mode, the MAN engine takes over propulsion, while in electric mode, the electric motor works exclusively. In combined mode, not only is propulsion generated, but electrical energy is generated at the same time. In pure electric mode, the diesel engine is used exclusively to generate electricity. Under sail, the rotation of the propeller can be used to generate energy in hydro-generator mode. And in pure sailing mode, neither the diesel engine nor the electric motor are running. The propeller is then in feathering mode, minimising drag.
With a total propulsion power of 1,102 kW, the Simena reaches a top speed of 14 knots. The comfortable cruising speed is 11 knots, with a range of around 4,000 nautical miles. In particularly efficient operation, even up to 6,000 nautical miles are possible at 9 knots. More is also possible under sail. On board, the yacht's captain reported speeds of up to 18 knots in ideal conditions.
More about Simena
Living on the superyacht
Up to twelve guests enjoy maximum comfort on board, looked after by a crew of nine. Below deck, three spacious double cabins and two twin cabins offer plenty of space - all with en-suite bathrooms, of course.
However, the centrepiece is the owner's suite in the foredeck. With a separate bathroom, dressing room, dressing table and lounge sofa, it is a private retreat of the highest calibre. The free-standing bathtub, framed in fine marble, is particularly impressive.
For weight reasons, the marble is a sandwich construction. Only the spacious shower in the owner's cabin is made of solid material - and deserves the attribute "large" in the truest sense of the word. Kerem Kalafatoglu, part of the shipyard management and son of the shipyard boss, comments with a wink: "There's room for everyone here".
Another well thought-out detail is the side access to the sea: an elegant staircase takes guests directly to the folding bathing platform. It could hardly be closer to the water. Naturally, the tender specially designed for the yacht, which also serves as a lifeboat, is also located here.
The crew area with captain's cabin and three further double cabins, each with its own bathroom, is located at the stern. There is also a fully equipped galley, crew mess, generous storage areas and a spacious engine room. A practical solution: the laundry area is directly combined with additional freezer capacity.
Lifestyle meets function - the main deck
On deck, the Simena shows its relaxed side. Large sun loungers, a jacuzzi and comfortable sofas invite you to linger in the stern - ideal conditions for long days in the open air. A bathing ladder and passerelle provide easy access to the water.
The outdoor dining area offers space for up to 14 people and can be used variably thanks to the flexible table concept. The arrangement is complemented by a spacious U-shaped lounge and a fully equipped wet bar. Inside, the saloon impresses with plenty of space, stylish L-shaped sofas, coffee tables and a separate dining area for twelve guests. Large electric sliding doors seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor areas. The central saloon is located amidships with a staircase leading to all decks.
The wheelhouse is located at the front of the superstructure. It is designed to be both functional and comfortable, with integrated seating and direct access to the ship's office. In front of it, another lounge area on the foredeck invites you to relax.
The full report on the Simena you will soon read in the magazine and here. In the meantime, take a look at the exclusive picture gallery.
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
