Anticipation mounts as ARES YACHTS’ 62m flagship Simena enters outfitting

ARES YACHTS’ flagship superyacht project has reached the crucial outfitting stage. Measuring 62m from the tip of her bowsprit to the taffrail aft, the sailing ketch Simena has been carefully moved into the finishing shed, where she will receive everything from wiring and AV systems to furniture and decking. 

Inspired by clipper ships 

Simena is a powerful statement of intent from an experienced builder that has an enviable reputation across the naval and coast guard sectors, and is now turning its expertise to the custom yacht sector. 

The ketch’s lines by Taka Yacht Design evoke a gentler age of sail, when sleek giants roamed the globe, competing to be the first home with a hold full of precious cargo. “The main inspiration behind the exterior lines was loosely the clipper ships - especially the bow with fully rigged bowsprit and trail board. One can also find some resemblances with the early steam yachts, sharing lovely, classic sheer lines,” says ARES YACHTS’ Projects Manager Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun. 

In this modern incarnation, however, the design prioritises generous living volumes under a carbon fibre superstructure and an easily-driven steel hull for fast, responsive sailing. What’s more, Simena boasts some distinctly contemporary technology. Chief among these is the sophisticated hybrid drive system, which will allow the yacht to operate silently under electric power at up to 6 knots. 

Her 220kW electric motors can also be supplemented by a 882 kW diesel engine for a top speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles at her 11-knot cruising pace. “Simena is equipped with an electronic remote-control system for propulsion with controllable pitch propellers, all designed according to the fail-safe principle with a high level of redundancy. The system is very user friendly, highly accurate, advanced and flexible with six modes,” adds Orhun. 

Another innovation will offer guests a dedicated smartphone application that allows them to interact with the ship’s AV and entertainment systems. All areas of the boat are independent but related, and once downloaded, the app gives access to the professional sound system and network system. Amplifiers in the sound system can also be controlled simply with a Bluetooth connection. 

A mix of contemporary and classic design 

Taking shape now in ARES YACHTS’ outfitting shed, Simena’s interior will pay homage to the classic inspiration visible externally. Design Unlimited has developed a calming, neutral palette that takes in a range of materials from tactile woven metals and leathers, to alluring stones and soft furnishings. “Simena's interior is a timeless sanctuary, shaped by her modern design language, influenced by classic elements. The mix of contemporary and classic design converge into harmonious spaces, featuring intricate detailing, with hints of glamour through feature finishes and fittings,” says Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun. 

Guests will want for no convenience, with a Jacuzzi and sunpads aft of a large, covered cockpit. The flybridge offers shade and magnificent vistas, while there is also a more private foredeck lounge. A magnificent deckhouse saloon provides more formal dining and lounging, all with fantastic sea views. And the owner’s suite is positioned in pride of place: forward on the main deck. Accommodation is designed for up to 12 guests and nine crew. 

Delivery is slated for December 2024, after a build time of less than 18 months. Designed to RINA Class C, Simena is a yacht whose destination is anywhere – she can happily tackle any of the world’s oceans in total safety and enormous comfort. What is certain, however, is that she will make an awe-inspiring sight once she’s delivered, with her towering ketch rig and classic lines. 

ARES YACHTS is based in Antalya Free Zone, on Turkey’s south coast, and covers 40,000 square metres of build space across four large sheds. Other superyacht projects under way include the 50m motor yacht Spitfire derived from the successful 48m Bold Class offshore patrol vessel and another 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. ARES YACHTS is also developing a 65-85m yacht range with Lateral Naval Architects.