Turkish shipyard Ares Yachts has revealed the first interior renderings of its upcoming 50.6-metre superyacht, Spitfire. The project draws inspiration from both the Ares 150 Bold, an offshore patrol vessel, and the legendary Supermarine Spitfire, the iconic British WWII fighter aircraft.
A Fusion of Speed, Innovation, and Iconic Design
Designed in collaboration with Bannenberg & Rowell and Lateral Naval Architects, Spitfire is set to begin construction in 2025. Shipyard chairman Kerim Kalafatoğlu described the project as being guided by three core principles:
Speed – A high-performance fast-displacement hull
Lightweight Construction – Advanced materials for efficiency
Iconic Design Proportions – A bold yet refined exterior aesthetic
“This platform is constructed based on three fundamental principles: speed, lightweight construction, and iconic design proportions,” said Kalafatoğlu. “Combining a hull with offshore pedigree and the specifications of a superyacht platform opens up thrilling possibilities from both design and technical standpoints.”
Striking Exterior and Flexible Interior Spaces
The exterior of Spitfire features:
- A rounded bow for hydrodynamic efficiency
- A low-profile superstructure with dark glass bands
- A spacious beach club with fold-down wings, a transformer platform, and room for water toys
Inside, the yacht embraces flexibility and informal luxury, using sliding glass walls to merge or separate social areas. Some key highlights include:
Convertible Main Deck – A dining room and lounge that seamlessly transform into an open-air space
Multipurpose Beach Club – Configurable as a lounge and cinema or a fully-equipped gym
Full-Beam Owner’s Suite – Featuring 270-degree views, a private Jacuzzi, and an outdoor movie theatre
The interior aesthetic embraces a military and naval camouflage theme, incorporating materials such as punched metal surfaces, leather, and tinted glass.
In an exclusive interview, Dickie Bannenberg shared insights into the yacht’s unique layout:
“We’ve given her a very different layout without labouring the point of ‘Spitfire’ and the heritage behind it. There are some nods to that. All the interior spaces are rechristened to break that link of the boring ‘main saloon, owner’s saloon’ – all those things have been ditched in favour of ‘scramble spaces’ and ‘bosses’ quarters.’ It sets the story for how this yacht will be perceived.”
Hybrid Propulsion & Performance
Spitfire is powered by a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, offering:
- Up to 1 hour of full-electric propulsion
- Silent operations for up to 11 hours with an optional battery package
- A maximum speed of 22 knots
- A range of 2,200 nautical miles, extendable to 3,500 nautical miles with additional tankage
With its aviation-inspired design, hybrid powertrain, and innovative interiors, Spitfire is shaping up to be a truly one-of-a-kind superyacht. Construction is set to begin in 2025, and the yachting world will be watching closely as this bold new project takes shape.
Stay tuned for more updates from Ares Yachts!
