Back to previous page    Language

Simena, where classic sailing meets hybrid technology

Simena is Ares Yachts’ 62-metre hybrid ketch, combining classic sailing lines, ocean range and contemporary onboard technology

Classic sailing meets hybrid propulsion aboard Simena, the refined 62-metre superyacht created by Ares Yachts

At 62 metres in length, Simena presents a distinctive vision of contemporary sailing, balancing classical elegance, genuine cruising ability and modern engineering. The first superyacht completed by Ares Yachts does not rely on passing design trends. Instead, it builds its identity around a silhouette that appears deeply connected to the maritime history of the Mediterranean.

Her long bowsprit, generous proportions, teak decks and polished mahogany details evoke the character of a traditional cruising ketch. Beneath that timeless appearance, however, lies an advanced yacht conceived for long passages, quieter operation and a more flexible approach to onboard energy management.

A name shaped by the Lycian coast

Simena takes her name from the ancient Lycian settlement overlooking the Turkish coastline near Antalya. Accessible primarily from the sea, the site offered shelter to sailors travelling through the eastern Mediterranean for centuries.

The name creates a natural bond between the yacht and the waters where she was built. Rather than serving as a simple historical reference, it expresses the character of a vessel that borrows the atmosphere of traditional Mediterranean sailing craft while translating it into a thoroughly modern superyacht.

Classic proportions designed for serious cruising

The exterior styling and naval architecture were developed by Tanju Kalaycıoğlu and Taka Yacht Design. An AH36 steel hull is combined with an advanced composite superstructure, providing structural strength while helping control weight above the waterline.

A beam of 10.70 metres gives Simena a commanding presence and creates substantial interior volume without compromising the balance of her profile. Her 4.72-metre draught, fixed keel and ketch rig were developed to provide stability and predictable behaviour during long offshore passages.

Most sailing operations are handled through hydraulic systems, captive winches and centralised controls. This keeps heavy ropes and technical equipment away from the principal guest areas, allowing the experience of sailing to remain visible without dominating everyday life on board.

Six operating modes within one hybrid system

Simena is equipped with a parallel hybrid propulsion system combining an 882 kW MAN diesel engine, a 220 kW electric motor, three CAT generator sets and a Servogear controllable-pitch propeller.

The installation offers six operating configurations. The yacht can travel under conventional diesel power, use electric propulsion for quieter manoeuvring, generate onboard electricity through the main engine or recover energy from the rotating propeller while sailing.

In pure sailing mode, both the diesel engine and electric machine are disengaged, while the propeller is feathered to minimise resistance through the water. The system is therefore designed not merely to alternate between diesel and electricity, but to adapt the yacht’s entire energy strategy to different stages of a voyage.

Performance prepared for distant horizons

Simena reaches 14 knots under diesel propulsion and has also recorded 14 knots under sail. Design projections suggest a potential maximum sailing speed of 16 knots in 20 knots of wind at an angle of approximately 100 degrees.

Her stated diesel range is 4,000 nautical miles, while optimised electric operation may extend the potential range to as much as 6,000 nautical miles. These figures give the yacht ambitions far beyond a conventional Mediterranean season, opening the way to ocean crossings and extended cruising in more remote regions.

Simena has received a four-star SEA Index rating, with a certified value of 138.5 grams of CO₂ per gross tonne per hour. RINA classification for unrestricted navigation further supports her credentials as a genuine long-range sailing yacht.

Outdoor spaces created around the sea

The expansive aft cockpit forms the principal social centre on deck. It includes U-shaped sofas, a large sunbed, a convertible dining table for up to 14 guests, a fully equipped wet bar and a Jacuzzi.

A concealed screen and projector allow the cockpit to become an open-air cinema after sunset. Transparent protective panels can enclose the area in cooler weather, extending its use while preserving broad views across the water.

Forward, a private lounge covering approximately 60 square metres offers a quieter setting for sunset gatherings or time away from the main guest areas. A dedicated side platform also provides direct access to the sea from the accommodation deck.

Interiors with warmth and restraint

The interior by Design Unlimited follows a modern-classic language. Walnut joinery, textured leather, soft fabrics, parquet floors and antiqued brass create layered spaces that feel rich without becoming overly formal.

The main saloon is divided between a generous lounge and a formal dining area. A classically inspired skylight introduces natural light, while the television, wine storage and technical functions remain concealed within the joinery when not required.

At the centre of the yacht, the main staircase becomes a sculptural architectural feature. Timber, leather, brass, tinted mirrors and a custom chandelier inspired by the currents of the eastern Mediterranean turn a circulation space into one of Simena’s defining interior elements.

An owner’s suite with residential character

Positioned forward on the main deck, the full-beam owner’s suite has the proportions and privacy of a private apartment. A central king-size bed is accompanied by a daybed, dressing area, extensive storage and an en suite bathroom with twin basins and a large shower.

An open bathtub framed in marble forms part of the bedroom rather than being hidden inside a separate bathroom. Glass partitions containing finely woven metal mesh introduce visual separation while preserving the openness of the suite.

Guest accommodation includes three double cabins and one twin cabin, each with its own bathroom. Simena can welcome up to 12 guests and carries a crew of nine.

Ares Yachts enters the superyacht world

At 499 GT, Simena represents a substantial first step into the superyacht sector for the Antalya-based shipyard. She does not reject tradition in order to appear innovative, nor does she treat advanced technology as an isolated feature.

Instead, she brings together the physical pleasure of sailing, the quiet movement offered by electric propulsion and the generous living spaces expected aboard a modern cruising yacht. This combination may appeal particularly to owners drawn to the romance of classic vessels but unwilling to surrender contemporary levels of comfort, control and autonomy.

Simena offers a thoughtful direction for large sailing yachts. She is not a nostalgic recreation of another era, but a modern interpretation of life at sea, where craftsmanship, wind, silence and energy become parts of the same journey.

__
www.aresyachts.com

18 July 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
Simena, where classic sailing meets hybrid technology
__
The information in this article has been sourced from and adapted from official sources and/or press releases, in accordance with our editorial code of ethics.