Sirena 68

After years of looking at dreamy Italian-made yachts, what could a Turkish builder offer that would appeal to such a trained connoisseur of the blue seas?

Behold the new Sirena 68, with a distinct appeal to experienced owners looking more for performance and efficiency.

With a steady 15- to 20-knot head wind, whipping up 4- to 5-footers — with an occasional 7 just for good measure — the twin 1,000-hp Volvos kicked into Herculean gear, courtesy of the ZF transmission, and the GPS measured a constant speed of 20 knots. Cruise is 16 knots, and top speed is just north of 26 knots — quite an impressive feat for such a heavy boat. Piloting from a bridge that was laid out to accommodate a party, there was no pounding, no rolling, no feeling that maybe today would have been better spent in the marina. However, the experienced captain would have chosen the inside helm for a day like this, as the first of several saltwater showers left me with spotted spectacles and a drip dry Tommy Bahama ensemble.

Take your time

Sirena’s test boat was being delivered that afternoon to its owner in Ft. Lauderdale, so thankfully, the 80-degree sun and warm Atlantic water did not send shivers down my spine; that sensation occurred exploring the owner’s stateroom and, for that matter, the entire residential deck that accommodates eight adults plus an optional aft berth for the captain and mate.

For the owner, the beam-to-beam cabin offers a nocturnal oasis, including a very thoughtful his and her head arrangement, with a glass shower positioned in the middle. Separate sinks, a flip-up lighted makeup mirror in the cabin, a settee, and an abundance of drawers and hanging lockers encourage bringing along extra clothing for the extended journey.

For the VIP guest(s), the stateroom closest to the bow features an ensuite head and shower, and ample space around the queen-size berth. Two mid-ship cabins — one with twin beds and an ensuite head, one with twin bunks and access to the day head and shower — round out the accommodations.

No two Sirena yachts are alike in terms of the layout and finish. The 10-month build time allows owners a broad swath of custom design. A stacked washer/dryer combo option can also serve as extra storage. For the hands-on owner, ditch the tight, sparse crew quarters for storage. Access to the engine room is from the crew’s aft watertight door or from the aft deck sole down a six-step ladder. Twin generators (one would be adequate) and the massive power plants are surrounded by diamond pattern plated decking and give maintenance folks plenty of room to work. I did notice the room had a total of seven exhaust fans for venting heat. And it was a tad toasty from our hour-long test run.

Play of light

As for entertainment space, with more of a slant to ample relaxation space, the Sirena 68 is a winner. I’m partial to bridge boats so the tour begins here. Behind the upper helm, with twin captain’s chairs and controls that mirror the lower helm station, is a variety of seating that transforms for the weather and the destination. Adjacent to the helm, a U-shape pit with a table that lowers for added cushions turns this area into a full sun lounger. An L-shape seating area is directly behind. Across the deck, another large sofa-like seat with a table becomes the catalyst for conversation. Farther back is a well-equipped summer kitchen, which most owners will customize with Kenyon electric grills, wine coolers and ice makers. The kitchen even sports a cocktail bar with two bar stools. The deck continues for storage of a dinghy or other water toys, while doubling as a sunshade for those seated below on the main deck.

Every ounce of the salon deck is created for the experienced cruiser. From a favorite wide comfy couch where you draw up your feet, snuggle into a corner with a good book or glass of wine to the layout of the pass-through galley, your guests and family never feel left out. The same thought process inspired the U-shape sofa forward of the galley to share quality moments inside with the owner-operator who does not feel excluded from the company onboard.

Immediately noticeable is the play of light in the bright and dynamic salon, from the large windows that draw the eye to the ever-changing views. The 68 positions the lower station helm on the port side, again with two chairs with quick access to the portside companionway via a pantograph watertight door.

On deck, the forward area has been arranged for sunbathing and a relaxed life at sea. Table placement, drink holders, USB connections, you name it — all the boxes are checked.

Dutch designer Cor D. Rover gets the nod for the interior design, which is offered in three color and material combinations. Light honey-colored wood and soft semi-gloss lacquer seem to capture light from the large windows. Another option is bold dark wood and anthracite lacquer to create a masculine and energetic look. Or you may opt for white leathers and fabrics for a more stylish and fresher look.

Regardless of interiors, the exterior hull design and bold vibe makes this yacht stand out. Penned by German Frers, an Argentinean designer, full-height salon windows in combination with a transparent bulwark opening are the capstones of an innovative semi-displacement hull created specifically for comfortable cruising with a world-class range of 1,200 nautical miles, based on a speed of 10 knots.

No two the same

Sirena Yachts is relatively new, having launched in 2006 in the province of Bursa, Turkey. The company has produced 250 yachts ranging from 55 to 98 feet, and also creates components for automotive and rail systems, so the technical talent group is diverse.

“We are a production boat shipyard and never stop building, rather like a car assembly line,” says Ali Onger, Sirena’s chief commercial officer. “But we also customize every yacht as much as possible to suit individual client requests. Once a boat is signed for and the interior layout and décor is decided, it takes around 10 months to finish. Of the multiple yachts we complete each year, no two are exactly the same.”

The new 68 model is Sirena’s most successful launch to date, with 28 units sold since the yacht’s debut at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival.