Ares Yachts Simena: Sixty Two Metre Hybrid Sailing Ketch Review

NeoN

June 10, 2026

In an era where adventure meets luxury, the world of superyachts is evolving. The Simena, a sixty-two-meter steel-hulled cruising sailing yacht, is at the forefront of this evolution, promising a future where exploration and opulence coexist harmoniously. Currently under construction at Ares Yachts, Simena stands as a testament to cutting-edge design and engineering, poised to redefine what it means to adventure on the open seas.

The Genesis of Simena

Simena marks Ares Yachts’ ambitious debut into the superyacht arena. The Turkish shipyard, which began operations in September 2023, has embarked on its first superyacht project with Simena. Named after an ancient city in Antalya province accessible only by sea, Simena embodies a spirit of exploration and exclusivity.

The design of Simena is credited to Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited, with a focus on combining generous living spaces under a carbon fiber superstructure with a sleek steel hull. Upon delivery in late 2024, Simena will join an elite group of only twelve sailing yachts over sixty meters that fall under five hundred gross tonnes.

Exterior Design and Sailing Platform

The exterior profile of Simena draws inspiration from clipper ships and early steam yachts. Osman Tanju Kalaycioglu of Taka Yacht Design incorporates elements like a fully rigged bowsprit and trail board, alongside classic sheer lines reminiscent of historic steam vessels.

The yacht’s hull is constructed from steel, with a carbon epoxy superstructure, and aluminum masts. Decking is sustainably sourced Myanmar teak, complemented by mahogany steering wheels. With RINA Class C certification, Simena is built to withstand warm, humid climates and temperatures as low as minus five degrees Celsius.

Amenities on deck include a Jacuzzi and sun pads aft of a spacious covered cockpit, with a flybridge offering shaded seating and panoramic views. Forward, a private foredeck lounge expands the exterior living space. The deckhouse saloon boasts formal dining and lounge arrangements oriented toward the water, with stunning views captured by the vessel’s cream-colored hull and brown trim.

Hybrid Propulsion and Rigging

Simena is powered by a sophisticated hybrid drive system. Twin 220-kilowatt electric motors enable silent cruising at speeds up to six knots. For higher speeds, an 882-kilowatt diesel engine supplements the electric motors, achieving a top speed of fifteen knots and a cruising speed of eleven knots, with a range extending to four thousand nautical miles.

The yacht offers six control modes, from pure sailing to combined propulsion, managed by an electronic remote control system with controllable pitch propellers. The rigging, designed by Chris Mitchell, features a 59.5-meter main mast and a 48.7-meter mizzen mast, with sails supplied by Doyle, Dokar, Bamar, and OMS.

Interior Layout and Guest Areas

Inside, Design Unlimited has crafted an interior that is both neutral and calming. Walnut is the primary timber, paired with textured leathers, woven metals, stones, soft fabrics, and antiqued brass accents. Modern amenities are subtly integrated to maintain clean sightlines, with television lifts in both the saloon and the master suite.

The layout accommodates twelve guests and nine crew members. The full-beam owner suite sits forward on the main deck, featuring a generous ensuite bathroom, a dedicated dressing room, and a private hot tub. Mark Tucker, Creative Director, emphasizes soft-edged furniture and clean, relaxed geometry throughout the guest accommodations.

Shipyard Outlook

As Simena nears completion, Ares Yachts is not resting on its laurels. The shipyard is advancing several motor yacht programs, including the 50.6-meter Spitfire with Lateral Naval Architects and Bannenberg & Rowell Design, and the 54-meter Atlas with Hot Lab and Van Oossanen Naval Architects.

Looking ahead, Ares Yachts plans to expand its offerings with a standardized superyacht range, spanning sixty-five to eighty-five meters. This strategic expansion signals the builder’s intention to move beyond custom projects and establish a significant footprint in the superyacht market.

Conclusion: The Future of Adventure

Simena represents a bold step into the future of adventure, where luxury and exploration meet on the high seas. As Ares Yachts prepares to launch this remarkable vessel, the possibilities for adventure aboard Simena are as limitless as the horizons she will explore. With her innovative design, hybrid propulsion, and luxurious interiors, Simena is set to become a beacon of the new era of adventure yachting.

For those captivated by the allure of the sea and the promise of discovery, Simena is more than a yacht; she is a gateway to the future of adventure.