Spitfire Yacht Pairs an Onboard “Funstore” With Fast Performance

To capture attention, especially in the competitive yachting market, companies need something different. Ares Yachts isn’t just presenting something different with the Spitfire yacht; it’s seeking a different type of customer. From her hull to her features, the design rethinks how to enjoy life aboard. That’s why the 166-footer (50.55-meter) is for someone with “a progressive mindset, unencumbered by rigid adherence to traditional thinking.”

This is according to Ares Yachts’ chairman, Kerim Kalafatoğlu. “The typical owner is someone who epitomizes the essence of contemporary living,” he further explains. The person is “modern, dynamic, and thriving in a fast-paced lifestyle.” Complementing this, the series has speed, lightweight composite construction, and “iconic design proportions,” Kalafatoğlu says, as cornerstones.

the Spitfire yacht series from Ares Yachts

Firstly, the composite hull combines the performance characteristics of a proven Ares project with the know-how of Lateral Naval Architects. Specifically, the Ares project is the Ares 150 Bold, an offshore patrol vessel. (Ares Yachts is a division of a commercial shipyard.) She’s reportedly the fasted offshore patrol vessel in the world, too, capable of 38 knots. With Lateral Naval Architects’ input and understanding of diesel-electric propulsion, the Spitfire project should see a top speed of 22 knots. Best range should be 2,200 nautical miles at 10 knots, though adding tankage can raise it to 3,500 nautical miles. Note, too, that the twin 290-kW electric motors can handle some cruising with the battery bank, up to an hour.

As for the “modern, dynamic” and “iconic” design, the total package—exterior styling and interiors—is from Bannenberg & Rowell Design. Dark glass, some explorer-esque lines, an elongated aft deck, and chiseled angles characterize the profile. The concept comes from a renowned British aircraft, the Supermarine Spitfire. “This was a simultaneously beautiful and deadly design; a fast, nimble response to the challenges of the new battlefield of World War II: the air,” explains Simon Rowell, the studio creative director.

Meeting the challenges of modern-day yachting and progressive-minded owners, a few features stand out. Tenders stow on the aft deck, though once they’re in the water, the options abound. Transform the acreage of deck space into a huge lounge with loose furnishings, for instance. As alternatives, make it the morning yoga studio, or the evening movie or party place—or all of the above.

The Spitfire yacht may surprise you with her seemingly traditional enclosed transom. So many shipyards currently are presenting cascading open decks aft. Interestingly, the transom here is not what it seems. Instead, it’s a “Funstore” combined with either a beach club/cozy cinema or a gym. The Funstore itself is a creative reinterpretation of watertoy stowage. Owners who want the gym at the transom opening may choose to have the Funstore be a combination of a lounge and a toy showcase. Seating areas sit amid surfboards and more lining the walls, setting a beachy vibe (top). Or, with the beach club/cinema at the transom entry, the Funstore can be the toy showcase and a gym (below). Regardless, it sits beneath four ample skylights for a naturally light and bright look.

the Spitfire yacht series with the Funstore arrangement option 2

This type of flexibility extends to the Spitfire yacht’s above-deck spaces, too. Areas like the saloon and dining area can convert from enclosed to indoor-outdoor by sliding open the glass sides. (Bannenberg & Rowell nicknamed the saloon the Wardroom, in honor of the yacht’s patrol-boat heritage.) So can the upper-deck lounge, perhaps becoming the preferred dining spot because it connects with the aft grill area when opened. The design and build teams even include a Ready Room, a.k.a. the skylounge, connecting with the wheelhouse, for owners to review the cruising itinerary with the captain.

Speaking of owners, the owners’ suite (a.k.a. the Boss’ Quarters, naturally) is a tranquil escape. Sitting on the main deck (below), it additionally has a private alfresco area forward with a hot tub and cinema screen. This cockpit-like space gets sun and wind protection from retractable side screens and glass bulwark inserts.

Finally, once at an anchorage, owners can tap the battery bank for quiet- and emissions-free nights. If owners want even longer periods like this, Ares can supply an extra battery package. This therefore should provide 11 hours of solitude and no-genset operations.

With construction starting on spec, Spitfire is open to tailoring. For the time being, Bannenberg & Rowell envision natural colors echoing camouflage tones, plus materials like punched metal surfaces, leather, and tinted glass. Subtle nods to 1940s industrial architecture reveal themselves in glass on bars and in en suite baths.

the Spitfire yacht series with Bannenberg & Rowell Design

The shipyard is starting hull construction in the fall. Delivery should take 24 months. Denison Yachting in the United States and Christie Yachts in the UK hold the joint central listing.

Ares Yachts aresyachts.com

Bannenberg & Rowell bannenbergandrowell.com

Lateral Naval Architects lateral.engineering