Yacht Simena Hitting Her Strides at Ares Yachts

A modern interpretation of a clipper ship in the form of a private superyacht is in the outfitting stages in Turkey. The classic-looking yacht Simena, which will eventually have a bowsprit and ornamental stern, is about a year away from delivery.

Ares Yachts is a newcomer to custom megayacht construction. It’s a division of Ares Shipyard in the Antalya Free Zone, which dates to 2006. Owned by the Kalafatoğlu family, the yard has delivered upwards of 230 military and commercial vessels internationally so far. Additionally, it has experience in all three construction materials, with more than 450 employees. It can build vessels to 295 feet (90 meters) amid four sheds, too.

the yacht Simena in the outfitting stage

The sailing yacht Simena, a ketch, is pretty sizable at 202 feet (61.61 meters) from her bowsprit to the tip of her stern. Taka Yacht Design, also a Turkish firm, is responsible for her naval architecture and styling, the latter including classic trailboards. Since she’s a modern megayacht, though, she’ll have modern-day creature comforts. That includes a steel hull for quick, responsive sailing, matched with a carbon fiber composite superstructure. Interestingly, the owner seems to intend to use her more like a motorsailer, since her diesel-electric system should allow a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. Top speed with the system should be 15 knots, too. When the crew needs to take her out of a marina or reposition her along a coast, meanwhile, she’ll rely on her electric motors, cruising up to 6 knots.

Yet another modern creature comfort is an app for all guests to download for tapping into the AV system. From music to movies, everything will be at fingertip control, whether in their staterooms or lounges.

The design of those interior areas is coming from Design Unlimited. Ares Yachts’ project manager, Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, describes the look as “a timeless sanctuary, shaped by her modern design language, influenced by classic elements.” So, for example, expect to see time-honored materials like stone and leather, alongside unexpected features like woven metals. Overall, the décor of the yacht Simena intends to soothe the soul and encourage relaxation, through neutral tones and soft furnishings. Of course, there will still be luxurious, glamorous touches in the deckhouse saloon and formal dining area, plus other interior areas.

With delivery set for December 2024, the RINA-classed Simena will have accommodations for 12 guests and nine crewmembers. She’ll further have niceties like sunpads and a hot tub aft of her covered cockpit, along with a foredeck lounge.

In the meantime, Ares Yachts is working on more projects. They include a 164-foot (50-meter) motoryacht, Spitfire, based on an offshore patrol vessel. There’s also a series of large yachts in development, in conjunction with Lateral Naval Architects.

Ares Yachts aresyachts.com

Design Unlimited designunlimited.net

Taka Yacht Design takayachtdesign.com