Exploring the Elegance and Innovation of the Yacht Simena
With its classical styling and varnished sipo mahogany deckhouse, the yacht Simena stands out as one of the 25 largest sailing superyachts in the world. Recognizable by its clipper influences—particularly in the wood trailboards—this 202-footer (62-meter) is designed as a ketch from the hull up. Named after an ancient Lycian settlement near Antalya, Turkey, Simena has rapidly made a name for itself in the sailing world. Here are five fascinating facts about this enchanting vessel.
Simena Is Swift Under Sail
The sailing prowess of Simena is undeniable. Equipped with a 193-foot (59-meter) main mast and a 157-foot (48-meter) mizzen mast, she has impressively reached 16 knots in 20 knots of wind at a 100-degree wind angle during her sea trials. Recent experiences in St. Tropez saw her maintaining speeds of 8½ to 9½ knots in 13- to 16-knot winds. Her owner’s commitment to experiencing genuine sailing—as opposed to operating it as a motorsailer—has clearly paid off.
Her Propeller Generates Electricity
Although Simena features diesel engines for practical navigation in marinas, they are arranged in a hybrid setup that offers six operational modes. Among these is a unique mode called hydrogeneration: her propeller starts generating electricity at speeds of 7 knots. This energy directly powers essential systems such as air conditioning and lighting, bypassing the need for a battery bank. This innovative approach not only sets her apart from other hybrid sailing yachts but also earned Simena a 4-star SEA Index rating, indicating superior environmental impact standards verified by Lloyd’s Register.
She’s Had a 3,250-Nautical-Mile Proving Run
In less than a year of service, Simena has already traversed approximately 3,250 nautical miles in the Mediterranean. Notable journeys include a nonstop route from Fethiye, Turkey—where she was built—to Monaco, as well as travels over 400 nautical miles from the Strait of Messina, Italy, to Cap Corse, France. Another remarkable segment was her 280-nautical-mile voyage from Kythira, Greece, to the Strait of Messina. Each of these journeys highlights her capabilities and reliability as a sailing vessel.
Her Tender Deck Transforms Into a Party Place
The yacht’s custom 25-foot (7.5-meter) limo tender is ingeniously stowed on a versatile deck that serves multiple purposes. Once in the water, this area transforms into a spacious 646 square feet (60 square meters) for lounging during the day. By night, it morphs into a lively cocktail and dance space under the stars. This dual-purpose area complements the aft cockpit, which doubles as a nighttime cinema, providing a delightful setting for social gatherings.
She’s the First Yacht From a Shipyard With an Unusual Pedigree
Simena is the inaugural private vessel from Ares Yachts, yet its parent company, Ares Shipyard, holds extensive experience in creating naval, patrol, and commercial ships. Since its inception in 2006, Ares has delivered over 230 vessels to more than 15 countries. Although a few yacht builders are subsidiaries of military and commercial shipyards, this background is still rare in the luxury yacht market, setting Simena apart from many of its competitors.
More About the Yacht Simena
- Length Overall (LOA): 202’1” (61.61 meters) with bowsprit
- Beam: 35’1” (10.7 meters)
- Draft: 15’5” (4.72 meters)
- Guest Capacity: 12 in 6 staterooms
- Rig Type: Ketch
- Sailplan Area: 11,700 square feet (1,087 square meters)
- Builder: Ares Yachts
- Stylist & Naval Architect: Taka Yacht Design
- Interior Designer: Design Unlimited
Simena isn’t just a yacht; it symbolizes a blend of traditional craftsmanship and groundbreaking technology, setting new standards in the world of sailing superyachts.