ARES YACHTS has officially revealed the first renderings of its latest superyacht, the 50.55-meter SPITFIRE, named in homage to the legendary Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. With its sleek design and advanced engineering, the vessel is set to redefine modern yachting, combining the high-performance capabilities of a patrol vessel with the luxury and sophistication expected from a contemporary superyacht.
Designed by the renowned studio Bannenberg & Rowell and engineered by Lateral Naval Architects, SPITFIRE is the first superyacht to adopt the innovative fast displacement hull dynamics of ARES YACHTS' ARES 150 BOLD, a proven offshore patrol vessel. The result is a yacht that promises an exceptional blend of speed, agility, and transoceanic range.
Unparalleled Performance and Modern Engineering
The engineering behind SPITFIRE is nothing short of remarkable. Leveraging ARES YACHTS' extensive experience in building military and commercial vessels, the yacht's hull has been designed for maximum speed and stability, reaching up to 22 knots. Constructed using advanced composites, SPITFIRE will be incredibly lightweight, ensuring high speed and low displacement.
The yacht's standard range is 2,200 nautical miles for long-distance cruising, but owners can opt for additional tankage to extend this to an impressive 3,500 nautical miles, opening up the possibility of extensive transoceanic voyages.
According to Kerim Kalafatoğlu, Chairman of ARES YACHTS, SPITFIRE is built on three core principles: speed, lightweight construction, and iconic design proportions. The vessel's hull, rooted in the proven performance of an offshore patrol vessel, offers stability and efficiency, paired with the refinement expected of a superyacht. "This platform is constructed based on three fundamental principles: speed, lightweight construction, and iconic design proportions," Kalafatoğlu explained, highlighting how the combination of military-grade hull engineering and luxury design offers both performance and elegance in one seamless package.
Design Excellence Inside and Out
Regarding aesthetics, Bannenberg & Rowell have brought a striking modern edge to SPITFIRE's exterior and interior. The yacht's sleek, low-profile superstructure, finished in military grey with bands of dark glass, gives SPITFIRE a distinctive and futuristic appearance. Its rounded bow, which drops vertically from cutaway bulwarks, and the open, low stern ensure the yacht stands out in any harbor.
The stern features a vast beach club area designed with versatility in mind. Fold-down wings and a transformer platform provide easy access to the water. The area can be configured as a luxurious lounge and cinema space or a fully equipped gym, offering owners various options to suit their lifestyle. Thanks to the abundant natural light from four skylights, the beach club is a bright and inviting space, perfect for relaxation or entertaining.
The flexible layout continues throughout the yacht's social spaces. For example, the main deck includes the D-Fac dining room and the Bunker lounge, both of which feature retractable glass walls that can be opened to create a seamless indoor-outdoor space. The Wardroom on the upper deck follows the same design philosophy, with doors and a retractable sunroof that connects the indoor lounge to the exterior bar and sunbathing area.
"The bespoke interior solutions of SPITFIRE prioritize relaxation and flexibility, embodying a thoughtful and purposeful approach to optimizing the modern lifestyle," added Kalafatoğlu. The emphasis is on creating spaces that flow naturally and can adapt to the changing needs of the owner and their guests, a theme that runs throughout the design.
Accommodations and Lifestyle Features
SPITFIRE's accommodation is equally impressive. The owner's suite, located forward on the main deck, is a full-beam marvel offering 270-degree panoramic views. The suite's centerpiece is a freestanding bed positioned to make the most of the sweeping sightlines. The suite also features direct access to a private forward cockpit, complete with a Jacuzzi and outdoor movie theatre. Retractable side screens and glass bulwarks enhance the cinematic experience, creating a unique space onboard.
Below the deck, SPITFIRE can accommodate up to eight guests in four spacious cabins, each outfitted with large bathrooms and ample storage. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure comfort and convenience, making the yacht ideal for long and short voyages.
Hybrid Power and Environmental Considerations
Beyond its luxurious design and performance, SPITFIRE also incorporates advanced hybrid propulsion technology. The yacht has a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, offering various options depending on the owner's needs. Twin 290kW electric motors enable the yacht to operate in "stealth mode" for up to an hour on electric power alone, a feature designed for those who wish to enjoy the tranquility of the sea without engine noise. Alternatively, the large battery bank can power the yacht's hotel systems overnight, ensuring a silent, emissions-free experience.
For extended periods of silent operation, an optional extra battery package allows for up to 11 hours of quiet cruising, even in the warm Mediterranean climate. SPITFIRE also features variable speed generators that minimize noise and fuel consumption, demonstrating ARES YACHTS' commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
A New Era for ARES YACHTS
The unveiling of SPITFIRE marks a new chapter for ARES YACHTS, which has long been known for its high-performance military and commercial vessels. With over 230 vessels delivered to 15 countries, ARES YACHTS has built a reputation for precision engineering and craftsmanship. Moving into the luxury yachting market is a natural progression as the company draws on its expertise in building high-quality, safe, high-performance vessels.
Construction of SPITFIRE is scheduled to begin in 2025. The yachting world will be watching closely as ARES YACHTS continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in terms of speed, design, and comfort.
For more information about ARES YACHTS and the SPITFIRE project, visit their website or follow their latest updates from the Monaco Yacht Show 2024.
