ARES Yachts: A Superyacht Culture Forged by Discipline

Kerem Kalafatoğlu | Board Member, ARES Yachts

Boot Düsseldorf Special Edition

For its Boot Düsseldorf Special Edition, Yacht News Türkiye delves into ARES Yachts’ production philosophy in the superyacht segment and the brand’s vision. In this interview with Kerem Kalafatoğlu, Board Member of ARES Yachts, we explore how the brand is shaping a global production culture, its engineering-led discipline, and its positioning within the international superyacht market.

“Managing all processes under one roof minimizes the margin of error.”

ARES is internationally recognized for its strong engineering culture. After transferring years of production discipline into the luxury yacht segment, what do you see as the most distinctive element of this corporate culture?

”At ARES, engineering is not simply a technical capability. It is a corporate responsibility. Years of experience in defence and commercial shipbuilding have shaped a mindset where error is not an option. This same discipline ensures that aesthetics and comfort in our yachts are always underpinned by uncompromising engineering rigor.”

Your structure brings together design, engineering, composite production and interior craftsmanship under one roof. This goes far beyond conventional production models in the sector. How does this integrated structure reflect on the quality you deliver?

”In many shipyards, different disciplines are managed by separate teams in different locations. At ARES, we have brought this fragmented structure together as much as possible under one roof. This allows us to maintain a controlled and predictable production process.

Managing all stages from design to interior craftsmanship within the same facility significantly reduces the margin for error. At the same time, it ensures continuity in quality

control. Instant feedback at every stage allows potential issues to be resolved early. This ultimately creates a lasting sense of confidence in the final yacht.”

You have transferred your technical expertise into the superyacht world, carrying ARES long standing meticulousness into a new segment. How would you define the signature your production philosophy leaves on the yacht market?

”I would define the ARES signature as an uncompromising attention to details that are not immediately visible. Structural solutions and system integration are just as important to us as exterior design. I firmly believe that this meticulous approach ensures our yachts retain the same sense of quality not only at first glance, but also many years later.”

Projects such as SPITFIRE, which require hybrid solutions and advanced engineering, clearly reveal your research and development perspective. How does this innovative approach affect the organization internally?

”Innovative projects like SIMENA and SPITFIRE have a strong motivational impact, particularly among younger engineers and designers. These projects allow us to experience the standards of the future today. Our teams know they are not simply building a yacht. They are contributing to the future of production itself. This strengthens creative energy and a strong sense of ownership within the company.”

Your integrated facilities in Antalya allow you to control many processes from supply chain management to quality control. How does this structure reflect on your brand strength?

”Our integrated production structure provides not only high capacity, but also full end to end control. Managing every process within the same facility from the earliest stage of a project to final delivery is the main reason we are able to maintain a consistent quality standard across different projects.

This consistency directly reinforces trust in the ARES brand. Today, ARES can be defined as a shipyard that delivers on its promises, on time and at the expected level of quality, while continuing to stand behind its products long after delivery.”

“Operating defence, commercial and luxury yacht construction under one roof creates a strong sense of trust.”

Operating defence, commercial and luxury yacht construction under one roof is not something every brand can achieve. What kind of competitive advantage does this diversity create for ARES?

”This structure creates a clear sense of trust on the client side. A shipyard that has proven itself in military and commercial projects is naturally perceived as more solid and reliable when it comes to superyacht construction. Our clients know that every yacht delivered by ARES is backed by decades of engineering culture and a robust production infrastructure.

At the same time, managing different disciplines within the same organization provides a significant knowledge transfer advantage. The discipline and quality control sensitivity developed in military and commercial projects are directly reflected in our superyacht builds.”

Today’s global clientele demands not only a yacht, but also reliability, sustainability and a long-term relationship. How do you approach these expectations?

”Today’s superyacht owner is not simply purchasing a yacht. They are looking for a reliable partner. This is an approach we have embraced for many years at ARES Shipyard. Our Integrated Logistics Support department ensures that every vessel delivered from our shipyard is supported worldwide with the same level of training, service and attention. For us, this is not an additional service. It is a natural extension of the ARES quality philosophy.”

“2026 will be a defining year for ARES Yachts on the international stage.”

International boat shows are also platforms where brands express their character. How will ARES Yachts position itself in 2026?

”We see 2026 as a defining year for ARES Yachts on the international stage. Our first superyacht built under the ARES Yachts brand, the 62-meter sailing superyacht SIMENA, will be at the centre of this positioning.

SIMENA will be presented to the public for the first time at the Palma International Boat Show, followed by the Monaco Yacht Show. We believe SIMENA will represent in the clearest way the production philosophy and brand character of ARES Yachts.”

Superyachts of the future are shaped not only by design, but also by production philosophy. Which approach do you believe will gain value in the coming years?

”We believe the future of superyachts will be shaped by a more conscious and responsible production mindset. Energy efficiency, correct material selection and modern propulsion systems integrated with hybrid solutions have become essential components of a high-quality superyacht.”