Our Superyacht of the Week this week is a closer look at one of the largest modern wooden superyachts of her kind and the first of many for Turkish Shipyard Aresteas Yachting. Aresteas’ motor-sailor configuration not only gives her a touch of romance that harks back to a simpler time, but also comes with the volume and generous guest spaces one would come to expect from a motor yacht of this size. The same way Istanbul brings together east and west, in much the same way is Aresteas a combination of the best of the sailing and motor yacht scenes.
With Aresteas, the shipyard wanted to set the tone for what can be expected from clients in the future. Naval architect KYD Fuat Turan and designers Ridade Tuncel and Aldo Viani created a sensual exterior and interior that is both modern and elegant at the same time. Viewed from the side, a large curved fashion plate seamlessly draws the eye from the upper deck down to the hull.
One soon realises that this is not an ordinary motor sailor when you finally get to walk Aresteas’ decks. The immense volume of the superstructure alone makes you wonder what kind of secrets are hidden inside and the impressive 10.5-metre beam gives the impression that Aresteas is indeed built for comfort, and not speed.
Talking about her cruising capabilities, Aresteas can reach 15 knots with her two main engines under full power. Without her sails hoisted and relying on engine power alone, she will be able to reach 3,050 nautical miles while cruising at a steady 12 knots. When the wind does pick up, however, there is a total of 1,580 square metres of sail area to help pull Aresteas’ 488 GT along.
The interior style is, much like the exterior, is fresh and functional. Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home and continue to live as the would in any villa ashore. Earthy colour tones and natural materials such as leather, treated woods and marble give the guests spaces a luxurious touch that you can get used to for everyday living. 
Six cabins are on offer, each with an en-suite bathroom. Naturally, the master suite takes up the full beam of the forward main deck level. A walk-in closet and his and hers bathroom are just some of the standard features that come with that spectacular view via the panoramic forward-facing window design. Three skylights right above the master bed slowly let the early morning light creep into the suite as you wake up in a new anchorage spot.
Just astern of the master suite is the onboard cinema, designed to seat six guests for those intimate family movie nights.
Down below on the lower deck is where the five additional cabins are located. Two VIP suites, each with their own mini lounge, and three guest cabins is what friends and family have to look forward to during cruising season on board Aresteas.
