A closer look at Ares Yachts’ 54m explorer yacht concept Atlas
March 2025 - News
Ares Yachts has unveiled new renderings of their 54-metre go-anywhere explorer yacht concept Atlas, which is developed for “intrepid owners” and was first presented in October 2024.
At a volume of just under 500 GT, Atlas features exterior lines designed by Italian design studio Hot Lab, which is part of the Viken Group, while her naval architecture is penned by the Van Oossanen team in the Netherlands.
“We are thrilled to showcase more details of our latest collaboration with Hot Lab and Van Oossanen, 54-metre Atlas,” stated Piraye Şahinkaya Orhun, Yacht Projects Director of Ares Yachts. “This beautiful explorer yacht embodies our commercial and naval heritage in her design, whilst firmly keeping in mind the practical needs of today’s ultra-adventurous owners.”
One of Atlas’s most defining traits is her unusual mezzanine bow structure in place of the conventional foredeck, which is divided into numerous levels. This setup means the owner’s suite can directly access a private terrace fitted with a spa pool.
Moreover, Atlas’s four additional guest staterooms are also provided with direct access to the beach club, due to the forward placement of her engine room. Further accommodation is available to support a crew of up to nine members onboard.
Moving to the superyacht’s aft area, her beach club is decked out in a cocktail bar, sunbeds, and lounge seating, extending outwards on three sides for an open-air living area. The deck size here can be increased via fold-down terraces found on both sides for a closer connection to the water. Further immersion with the outdoor scenery can also be had in the yacht’s infinity pool with far-reaching vistas.
“The effect of this is a resort-like atmosphere where those onboard can move seamlessly between socialising, on-water activities and relaxation,” explained Enrico Lumini, Design Director and co-founder of Hot Lab.
“The overall deck layout prioritises flexibility, openness and a seamless connection with the sea. Whether it’s hosting an elegant dinner under the stars or launching straight into an adrenaline-fueled water adventure, every space is crafted to elevate the yachting lifestyle,” added Antonio Romano, commercial and marketing director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab.
Performance-wise, Atlas is fitted with a Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) hull crafted by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and is projected to reach a top speed of over 16 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots, over the course of a 5,000 nautical mile range.
Meanwhile, Atlas offers extensive stowage for an array of tenders, toys, and water equipment, along with an optional touch-and-go helipad. The explorer yacht also has the possibility to be configured with a hybrid propulsion solution and solar panels for a minimised environmental footprint.
“Atlas is not just about looks—she’s built for adventure, offering a rugged yet elegant interpretation of contemporary yacht design. The layout prioritises efficiency and accessibility, ensuring guests can seamlessly move from one adventure to the next. Every aspect of the design is geared toward an owner who seeks both luxury and adventure—ready to explore beyond the beaten path,” Lumini continued.
From the outside, Atlas displaces naval-inspired architectural lines for an eye-catching and dynamic profile, as extensive glass floor-to-ceiling windows merge the indoors and outdoors together.
“Intelligent design features are found on every deck – from her transformable stern to her multi-tiered terraces. Our talented shipyard team are looking forward to making these into a reality in steel and aluminium,” Orhun concluded.