Ares Yachts, a renowned shipbuilding company based in Antalya, Turkey, has recently unveiled an exciting concept for a 54-meter expedition superyacht—Atlas. This yacht aims to maintain a size below 500 GT, redefining the fundamental characteristics of luxury yachts and enhancing the overall experience for both owners and guests. Atlas not only embodies a true “go-anywhere” spirit but also combines luxurious guest areas with an advanced eco-friendly hybrid propulsion system.
The sleek design of Atlas comes from the Italian design studio Hot Lab, which is part of the Viken Group, emphasizing efficient naval architecture. The yacht also benefits from the expert architectural support of Dutch naval architects Van Oossanen. Piraye Şahin Kaya Orhun, the Managing Director of Ares Yachts, stated, “The unique characteristics of Atlas perfectly blend aesthetics with practicality, showcasing outstanding long-range capabilities and exceptional seaworthiness.”
Antonio Romano, co-founder of Hot Lab, highlighted the importance of “incremental innovation,” noting that every project should incorporate unique ideas. The design of Atlas is specifically intended to fill a gap in the 50-meter expedition yacht market.
At the core of the design, Atlas aims to provide owners with a unique private space to enjoy breathtaking sea views and deep interactions with the ocean. Enrico Lumini, Design Director of Hot Lab, further explained that the foredeck's mezzanine design allows owners to enjoy uninterrupted sightlines, while the aft “welcoming lounge” serves as the main social area, making it an ideal spot for family and friends to share moments together.
The bold yet elegant exterior of Atlas, complemented by sharp lines, not only emphasizes style but also maintains functionality. Each deck offers spacious outdoor areas, featuring an ideal swimming platform and upper decks suitable for relaxation and outdoor activities. The yacht includes a full-beam owner’s suite equipped with a private foredeck and spa pool, as well as four guest cabins that are cleverly arranged for direct access to the beach club. Five crew cabins ensure attentive service for guests.
While the interior design will be tailored to the client's preferences, the team envisions a modern minimalist style, using clean lines and high-quality materials to create a sophisticated yet timeless atmosphere. Large panoramic windows will be a highlight of the interior, providing spectacular views while letting in natural light, fostering a bright and open ambiance.
At the heart of Atlas's design is the fast displacement hull form (FDHF) developed by Van Oossanen naval architects, which has become an industry standard for enhancing efficiency. The yacht can reach a top speed of 17 knots, a cruising speed of 11 knots, and has a range of nearly 5,000 nautical miles. Additionally, the yacht offers ample storage for tenders and toys to maximize the adventure experience, with design considerations for eco-friendly options such as solar panels to reduce emissions.
Perry van Oossanen, CEO of Van Oossanen Naval Architects, remarked, “Atlas is an efficient 54-meter yacht designed to optimize speed, range, and environmental impact.” By relocating the engine room forward, the design reduces the overall volume of the stern area, thereby decreasing hydrodynamic resistance and enhancing range, making it an ideal choice for long-distance exploration.
The launch of Atlas marks a new chapter in the Ares Yachts portfolio, joining the 50.55-meter Spitfire model made from composite materials and bespoke project services. Şahinkaya Orhun expressed, “Our goal is to create a range of expedition yachts. Atlas, delivered by Hot Lab, showcases our tradition and innovation in design, with an expected build time of two years. We are excited about Atlas and look forward to turning this vision into reality.”
All images courtesy of Ares Yachts
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