The ancient city of Simena in Turkey perfectly exemplifies the advantage of yachting. Although inhabited since the 4th century, it’s unreachable by land. From a castle perched high up on a rocky hillside to ruins just beneath the water’s surface, it immerses yacht owners and guests in history. It’s only fitting, then, that the yacht Simena, who herself appears to have stepped out of history, pays a visit.
Ares Yachts’ first launch, Simena has all the outward hallmarks of a classic ketch. In fact, her steel hull design derives from classic wooden ketches. She has elements of classic clipper ships, too. For instance, traditional trailboards, with hand carvings, call attention to her bow, complete with a bowsprit. Varnished and bookmatched mahogany clads her superstructure. Further only fitting for a time-honored-looking superyacht, she has teak decks along her 202-foot (nearly 62-meter) length.
A sailing enthusiast who cherishes classically appealing design, the owner of the yacht Simena wanted a graceful ambience throughout her rooms. With the Design Unlimited studio, he selected antiqued brass accents and rich walnut woodwork, further preserving clean lines. Obviously, modern amenities like televisions and audio speakers are throughout the yacht. However, the TVs remain contained within cabinetry, lifting up only when wanted, to preserve the authenticity of the experience.
There is another significant departure from tradition aboard, though. The yacht Simena is one of the highest-tech sailing yachts currently afloat, a directive from her owner. The SEA Index, which Lloyd’s Register supports, has awarded her a four-star Air Quality Certification rating. The SEA Index evaluates the environmental impact of yachts, with the Air Quality Certification specifically focusing on nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter. Four stars indicates a high-efficiency yacht bearing advanced technology or optimized power and auxiliary systems.
The yacht Simena relies on hybrid propulsion for transatlantic crossings and repositioning. Her system consists of twin 220-kW electric motors and a 1,183-hp diesel. Additionally, electricity can regenerate while she’s under sail.
The original inhabitants of the city of Simena surely could never have imagined these capabilities. Nor could they have imagined the yacht being capable of covering 4,000 nautical miles while motoring at 11 knots, or maneuvering solely under electric power at 6 knots. Keep this performance in mind in the coming years, for it is meant to be as future-proof as possible as well.
Ares Yachts aresyachts.com
Design Unlimited designunlimited.net
More About the Yacht Simena
LOA: 202’1” (61.61 meters) with bowsprit
Beam: 35’4” (10.8 meters)
Draft: 15’5” (4.72 meters)
Guests: 12 in 6 staterooms
Rig: ketch
Sailplan: 11,700 square feet (1,087 square meters)
Builder: Ares Yachts
Stylist: Taka Yacht Design
Naval Architect: Taka Yacht Design
Interior Designer: Design Unlimited
