Sailing Yacht Simena Becoming “Sanctuary Fit for Escapism”

UPDATE, APRIL 29, 2024: Northrop & Johnson holds the central listing for the sale of the sailing yacht Simena. Ares Yachts signed an agreement with the brokerage house this month. The superyacht remains in the outfitting stage and should be ready for delivery in March 2025. Read on for our original article.

With Ares Yachts having moved the hull of Simena into her outfitting shed a few weeks ago, the designers are providing more insight. The 202-foot (62-meter) project, the flagship of her Turkish builder, marries classic charm with contemporary appeal, along with modern electric propulsion for maneuvering. Ultimately, the sailing yacht Simena is a “classic with character” that will additionally be “a relaxed and refined sanctuary fit for escapism.”

Osman Tanju Kalaycioglu, as the owner and naval architect of Taka Yacht Design, is responsible for her engineering and styling. He wanted her exterior lines to call to mind a bygone era of sailing. Simultaneously, he incorporated thoroughly modern usage requirements. “Although clipper ships were an effective inspiration for her styling details, the DNA of her hull shape comes from our previous successful wooden ketch designs,” Kalaycioglu explains. Due to the owners wanting a party of 12 to enjoy travels together, superstructure design and volume followed suit. Still, though, superstructure styling needed to remain classic. “Her classic varnished wood joinery is similar to our previous yacht, Anatalia” (which later became Vajoliroja), he adds.

For the interior, meanwhile, Design Unlimited took modern and traditional aesthetics into strong consideration. Mark Tucker, the studio’s creative director, especially notes that there’s a “clean, relaxed geometry” to the staterooms. In fact, while naturally the master suite (above) and saloon (top) have TVs, they’re on lifts. The screens therefore tuck out of sight when not in use. This helps to preserve the throwback design elements, too, notably antiqued brass accents amid walnut paneling. Design Unlimited is additionally outfitting the sailing yacht Simena with soft-edged furnishings showing off woven-leather panels. Even woven metals, encased in glass, are part of the décor, being partly see-through yet also effectively being room dividers. In sum, Tucker says the goal is “a relaxed and refined sanctuary fit for escapism and the entertaining of family and friends when required.’

With support from a captain and nine crew, the sailing yacht Simena will feature hybrid propulsion. It will be helpful especially when repositioning and maneuvering. Ares Yachts anticipates the twin electric engines being able to propel her to 6 knots. If necessary, a single diesel engine will supplement them.

Ares Yachts aresyachts.com

Design Unlimited designunlimited.net

Taka Yacht Design takayachtdesign.com