Turkish yard Ares Yachts has announced the successful sea trials of its new flagship, the 62-metre sailing yacht Simena, which achieved a top speed of 14 knots under power and delivered "impressive agility and balance under sail". According to BOATPro, Simena conducted her trials off the coast of Antalya, where Ares Yachts' main yacht building facilities are based.
"This is a truly proud moment for our entire team," said Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, yacht projects director at Ares Yachts. "Simena exceeded our expectations during the trials, showing remarkable speed, manoeuvrability and silence under hybrid and sail propulsion."
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. Her name is 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 said: "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 describes 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 owner's suite and saloon.
She is also equipped with an electronic remote-control system for propulsion, with controllable pitch propellers – "very user-friendly, highly accurate, advanced and flexible with six modes," explained Ares Yachts' projects manager Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun.
The sailing yacht is listed for sale with Northrop & Johnson. Also currently under construction at Ares Yachts is the 50-metre Spitfire and 54-metre explorer yacht, Project Atlas.
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