Presentation

Yacht Class n°29 (june-july-august 2022)

SIRENA YACHTS

The Turkish brand makes its large models evolve towards the very top of the range. The new Sirena 68, discovered at the last Cannes Yachting Festival, reflects this approach towards luxury while offering the same convincing seaworthiness that the 64 she replaces.

Located south of Istanbul, near the Marmara Sea, Sirena Marine is determined to make its trawlers yachts even more pleasant, both at sea and at anchor. With the launch of the 88 foot in 2019, the shipyard has entered the world of large yachts with a substantial upgrade in the level of finish that coincides with the collaboration with the Dutch designer, specialized in large yachts, Cor D. Rover. This evolution of the 64 foot – enlarged to 68 feet for the occasion – was designed in the same way and kept the same semi-displacement planing hull, by German Frers, that can both achieve comfortable long-distance cruising, from 10 to 16 knots, and sail at over 25 knots, a speed worthy of planing boats.

Plenty of space on all decks

More luxurious means more spacious. In this respect, with her specific hull design, the new 68 boasts a large interior volume and offers three very spacious double cabins on the lower deck. Amidships, the master is full beam, as is its double bathroom located between the bed and the engine room, the location of which was optimised thanks to the V-drive transmission that saves space longitudinally. The VIP cabin is in the bow and a twin is located at the foot of the staircase. An optional fourth double cabin with Pullman beds, partly located under said staircase, is also available, as well as a crew cabin aft of the engine room. The main deck is not to be outdone. From the aft cockpit, a sliding glass door opens onto the saloon and reveals a bar between the exterior and the galley, located lengthways on the left. Opposite, and separated from the galley by a central island, a beautiful table for eight precedes an XXL lounge area where sofas and furniture can be arranged to suit the owner’s tastes. Forward, opposite to the descending staircase, the wheelhouse occupies the port half, while the starboard side accommodates a beautiful settee with a sea view thanks to large semi-circular panoramic portholes. The glass paneling of this immense open space, whose only downside is to slightly reduce the aft cockpit, is such that it offers a 360° view, further reinforcing the feeling of space. The same is true, and even more convincing, on the flybridge. It goes beyond the best we have ever seen… From bow to stern: sunbed in front of the helm station, a huge lounge area, a galley-bar towards the stern, and then a large free area that can accommodate deckchairs or be used as a dance floor, the surface area is impressive!

Three different atmospheres

The Sirena 68 is not strictly speaking a semi-custom yacht, yet, the shipyard is open to customisation requests, helped by the three predetermined decorative atmospheres: Serenity, Elegance and Inspiration, which bring a cosy, energetic or Zen touch. In any case, the materials used are of high quality. The oak species can be dark, light grey or honey, the lacquers are matte-satin, anthracite or cream. Leather and patterned fabrics are harmonised with the marbles. The whole exudes a natural class that can be found on large yachts.

Serenity in all circumstances

Sirena boasts a very fine construction. The teams really master the vinylester resin infusion technique used for the hull. As for the superstructures, in order to lower the centre of gravity by avoiding the weight in the heights, the beams supporting the flybridge are in carbon composite. It is solid, and the light weight of 39.5 tonnes bode comfortable passage of waves. We tested this as we left the Old Port, manoeuvring easily with the help of the electric thrusters. Optional hydraulic ones are also available, in addition to the Seakeeper 18 running throughout our sea trial to stabilise the boat. Our Sirena was equipped with the optional two 1 000 hp Volvo D13 configuration, which allowed us to reach almost 26 knots (with 91% fuel and 80% fresh water) in the choppy waters of Cannes. The two helm stations (wheelhouse and flybridge) are very ergonomic. Navigation at this speed caused no apprehension, as the absence of vibrations and shocks gives the impression of flying over the water. On the way back to the port, at 10 knots, it felt more like sailing on a lake than on the sea.