Turkish yard Ares Yachts has announced that its new flagship, the 62-metre sailing yacht Simena, has officially departed its sheds in Antalya. The new build is now en route to Monaco for her first Mediterranean season.
The flagship is scheduled to berth at the Explorer Dock of the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) Marina on 22 March to take part in the YCM’s Day of Exploration programme and participate in several events, including a friendly regatta.
The news comes following the yacht's successful completion of sea trials in July 2025, where she achieved a top speed of 14 knots under sail and delivered "impressive agility and balance". Simena is listed for sale with Northrop & Johnson.
Built to RINA Class C in steel–carbon composite with lines owed to Taka Yacht Design, the ketch has been inspired by a "gentler age of sail" and is loosely modelled after a clipper ship. This is seen best in the bow, with its full-rigged bowsprit and trail board.
Simena also features traditional teak decks and varnished Sipo mahogany exteriors, and in line with her classical design approach, her name is as a nod to the centuries of maritime heritage located within the ancient Turkish city.
Osman Tanju Kalaycıoğlu, naval architect and owner of Taka Yacht Design, previously noted: "I would describe her exterior design as 'classic with character.' 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."
The walnut and neutral colour palette encompasses tonal textured leathers and fabrics peppered with antiqued brass accents. Elsewhere, the yacht's en suites feature patterned tiles, Calcutta Oro and Patagonia White marbles.
Thanks to Design Unlimited, her classical foundation is contrasted with contemporary interiors, showcasing "clean, relaxed geometry." Mark Tucker, creative director of Design Unlimited, described her as "a relaxed and refined sanctuary, fit for escapism and the entertaining of family and friends when required."
To align with this "golden era of yachting", modern comforts have been covertly included to maintain clean, clear visuals, such as television lifts within the forward main deck owner's suite and saloon. Simena's total accommodation is for up to 12 guests and nine crew.
Simena is powered by a hybrid propulsion system that offers six operating modes for a range of cruising conditions. In electric mode, silent cruising is achieved at up to eight knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles at seven knots.
When operating on diesel power, Simena can reach a top speed of 14 knots with a cruising speed of nine knots offering a 4,000 nautical-mile-range. Under sail, she is expected to offer a top speed of 16 knots in 20-knot wind at a 100-degree wind angle.
With the departure of Simena, heads turn to the yard's other projects, including the 50-metre Spitfire, which is currently under construction.
Read More/Construction begins on Ares Yachts 51m superyacht Spitfire in collaboration with Bannenberg & Rowell