A new star has emerged on the international sailing scene. A gentleman's yacht with a classic, white-clad exterior but a contemporary character. Simena, a 62-meter ketch, is the flagship of Ares Yachts and represents a historic milestone for Turkish shipbuilding, redefining the dialogue between sailing tradition and modern technology. Simena embodies the vision of Kerim Kalafatoğlu, Chairman of Ares Yachts, who was determined to expand the shipyard's horizons beyond the military and patrol boat sector.
“My family has built boats for generations, so I was eager to express that heritage in a superyacht project,” says Kalafatoğlu. The result is a superyacht that aims to become a symbol of the new direction for "Made in Turkey" in the over-50-meter segment. The design is the work of Taka Yacht Design, responsible for both the exterior lines and naval architecture. The aesthetic language evokes the timeless elegance of great classic sailing yachts: a clipper bow, a pronounced bowsprit, harmonious proportions, and an impressive ketch rig. These historic elements coexist with a modern hull and technical solutions developed to ensure high performance and maximum efficiency.
The combination of materials, which influences performance, is also noteworthy. The hull is crafted from steel while the superstructure is composite, a choice that significantly reduces the yacht's overall weight and improves its stability. Even the spacious and functional flybridge has been integrated with such visual lightness that it doesn't disrupt the balance of the lines. Outdoor living is at the heart of the design experience. The aft deck features a jacuzzi surrounded by sunpads, a dining area for 14 guests, and numerous lounge areas. The fold-down hull balcony over the sea is particularly dramatic, designed for seamless access from the tender and as a private platform for relaxation.
The interiors, curated by Design Unlimited, continue the narrative of memory and innovation. Darkened oak paneling, brass details, light-colored fabrics, and custom-made furniture create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. The Turkish natural stones used in the bathrooms and the artisanal craftsmanship of many elements underscore the project's strong connection to its homeland. “Marrying traditional yachting values with contemporary technology and design, Simena’s interior styling aims to create a relaxed and refined sanctuary fit for escapism and the entertaining of family and friends when required,” said associate designer John Everett. “We wanted to reinvent the wheel with a modern take on the classic look.”
The owner's suite occupies the entire forward section and interprets the concept of privacy with a contemporary approach: fluid spaces, large windows, and a direct relationship between the sleeping area and the wellness space. Four guest cabins, characterized by a refined stylistic continuity, complete the accommodations. On the technical front, this ketch confirms its sailing spirit with over 1,600 square meters of sail area and a speed of 16 knots under sail. The hybrid propulsion system also allows for efficient and quiet navigation, with a range of over 6,000 nautical miles. More than just a superyacht, Simena is a statement of intent: a project that celebrates the timeless allure of sailing through a contemporary sensibility, capable of navigating any sea, from Atlantic crossings to cruises in the highest latitudes. In grand style.
Naval architect and exterior stylist: Tanju Kalaycıoğlu - Taka Yacht Design
Interior design: Design Unlimited
LOA: 62 m
Max beam: 11.10 m
Draught (full load): 4.72 m
Displacement (full load): 570 t
GT: 499 t
Main mast: 59 m
Main sail: 470 m²
Mizzen mast: 48 m
Mizzen sail: 249 m²
Genoa: 596 m²
Staysail: 356 m²
Speed under sail: 16 knots (in 20 knots of wind at a 100-degree wind angle)
Engines: 882hp MAN diesel engine
Max speed: 14 knots
Generators: 3x 86kW CAT
Range: over 6,000 nautical miles
Photo credits: Jeff Brown Breed Media
“My family has built boats for generations, so I was eager to express that heritage in a superyacht project,” says Kalafatoğlu. The result is a superyacht that aims to become a symbol of the new direction for "Made in Turkey" in the over-50-meter segment. The design is the work of Taka Yacht Design, responsible for both the exterior lines and naval architecture. The aesthetic language evokes the timeless elegance of great classic sailing yachts: a clipper bow, a pronounced bowsprit, harmonious proportions, and an impressive ketch rig. These historic elements coexist with a modern hull and technical solutions developed to ensure high performance and maximum efficiency.
The combination of materials, which influences performance, is also noteworthy. The hull is crafted from steel while the superstructure is composite, a choice that significantly reduces the yacht's overall weight and improves its stability. Even the spacious and functional flybridge has been integrated with such visual lightness that it doesn't disrupt the balance of the lines. Outdoor living is at the heart of the design experience. The aft deck features a jacuzzi surrounded by sunpads, a dining area for 14 guests, and numerous lounge areas. The fold-down hull balcony over the sea is particularly dramatic, designed for seamless access from the tender and as a private platform for relaxation.
The interiors, curated by Design Unlimited, continue the narrative of memory and innovation. Darkened oak paneling, brass details, light-colored fabrics, and custom-made furniture create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. The Turkish natural stones used in the bathrooms and the artisanal craftsmanship of many elements underscore the project's strong connection to its homeland. “Marrying traditional yachting values with contemporary technology and design, Simena’s interior styling aims to create a relaxed and refined sanctuary fit for escapism and the entertaining of family and friends when required,” said associate designer John Everett. “We wanted to reinvent the wheel with a modern take on the classic look.”
The owner's suite occupies the entire forward section and interprets the concept of privacy with a contemporary approach: fluid spaces, large windows, and a direct relationship between the sleeping area and the wellness space. Four guest cabins, characterized by a refined stylistic continuity, complete the accommodations. On the technical front, this ketch confirms its sailing spirit with over 1,600 square meters of sail area and a speed of 16 knots under sail. The hybrid propulsion system also allows for efficient and quiet navigation, with a range of over 6,000 nautical miles. More than just a superyacht, Simena is a statement of intent: a project that celebrates the timeless allure of sailing through a contemporary sensibility, capable of navigating any sea, from Atlantic crossings to cruises in the highest latitudes. In grand style.
Naval architect and exterior stylist: Tanju Kalaycıoğlu - Taka Yacht Design
Interior design: Design Unlimited
LOA: 62 m
Max beam: 11.10 m
Draught (full load): 4.72 m
Displacement (full load): 570 t
GT: 499 t
Main mast: 59 m
Main sail: 470 m²
Mizzen mast: 48 m
Mizzen sail: 249 m²
Genoa: 596 m²
Staysail: 356 m²
Speed under sail: 16 knots (in 20 knots of wind at a 100-degree wind angle)
Engines: 882hp MAN diesel engine
Max speed: 14 knots
Generators: 3x 86kW CAT
Range: over 6,000 nautical miles
Photo credits: Jeff Brown Breed Media
