Sirena 78 Enclosed Review (2023 Edition)

The German Frer designs present in the Sirena range prioritize relaxed passage-making complemented by a significant speed capability and the assurance of RCD Category A classification.

The naval architecture adheres closely to traditional semi-displacement principles, featuring a sharp entry to navigate through rough waters, gradually fuller sections towards the stern to generate lift for planing speeds and a keel for stability. Frers incorporates rounded sections to the chine for a smoother ride, along with stabilizers, and in the case of the test boat, Humphree Interceptor tabs contribute to maintaining stability.

Furthermore, the test boat is equipped with the larger 1,550hp MAN V12 engines, offering the Sirena 78 the potential to reach speeds of up to 25 knots. More significantly, these engines provide ample power and capacity for efficient cruising at 20 knots.

From the Helm

Our late evening excursion out of Cannes may not have constituted a full sea trial, but it provided sufficient insight into the boat's handling capabilities, confirming its status as a reliable cruising yacht.

Despite being loaded with more passengers than any sensible owner would host, we managed to reach a speed of 24 knots, with the boat responding well to the helm and maintaining stability throughout.

At a leisurely pace of 15 knots, fuel consumption was recorded at 34g/hr (130l/hr) per engine, offering the yacht a comfortable range of 500nm, which extends nearly to 20 knots. By reducing the speed to approximately 10-12 knots, the range extends beyond 1,000nm, with Sirena claiming a maximum range of around 1,500nm.

What stands out most from my time at the helm is the sense of capability. The Sirena 78 exudes confidence, with solid feedback through the hull and steering. While there were no challenges to test this perception during my time on board, it's a feeling I trust, reinforced by the RCD Cat A classification.

The visibility from the upper deck helm is exceptional when standing, offering a clear view of the stern and a panoramic 360-degree vista of the sea. However, the helm station itself feels somewhat lightweight, with a discreet design and a single helm chair that requires adjustments for optimal seating comfort.

Sirena and German Frers are reshaping the motor yacht market with their distinctive designs, forging their own path, and establishing a recognizable aesthetic and onboard atmosphere uncommon for a newer brand.

Much of Sirena's appeal lies in its striking exterior design and spacious interior. The Sirena 78 exemplifies this with Frers' high-volume semi-displacement hull, boasting a generous 6.5m (21ft) beam. This is notably wider than many yachts in its class, offering approximately 12in more than typical vessels and up to 2ft more than some competitors. The result is palpable onboard, enhancing the overall experience despite maintaining the standard four-cabin layout with proper crew quarters aft.

The exterior design is typically modern and simple. While the trawler yacht association prioritizes functionality and practicality over aesthetics, the refined topsides of the Sirena begin with a sharp, vertical bow that gracefully extends aft with confident lines.

The superstructure is predominantly made of glass, with discreet structural posts blending with heavily tinted windows. In contrast to some enclosed flybridges of comparable size, the Sirena's upper deck maintains a balanced and understated appearance, with proportions that are lower and more refined than those of the main deck.

The Luxury of Choice

The 78 introduces a novel feature: the choice between a fully or semi-enclosed flybridge, as well as a conventional open deck — a feature not found even on the flagship 88.

This innovation creates an upper lounge area with a sunroof and electric side screens, ensuring you never feel too enclosed. It also opens up options on the main deck. For semi and fully-enclosed models, Sirena has eliminated the lower helm, allowing for a spacious salon that extends all the way to the elegantly curved forward windscreen.

Similar to the Princess X80, another yacht with an enclosed flybridge, the galley and dining area are situated in this newly available forward space. However, unlike the X80, Sirena does not provide the option to replace this galley with a main deck owner’s stateroom — a decision that may be seen as a missed opportunity, considering that nearly every X80 buyer has opted for the stateroom option.

The main deck remains the focal point of the 78, with its expansive space and panoramic views. Bordered by the glass and extending to the curved forward screens, the deck salon features a comfortable lounge area adorned with sophisticated beach-club style freestanding furniture. Despite its relaxed ambiance, the salon also incorporates ample cabinet space for storage purposes.

The aft lounge transitions into what can only be described as the most expansive and impressive galley in the under 30m (98ft) category. In the test boat, the island configuration was chosen, featuring a sizable countertop at its center hosting the cooking station with integrated extractors. Adjacent to this, a wall of refrigeration and freezers offers ample storage, complemented by another workstation equipped with a dishwasher and deep lockers. This layout ensures enough storage space to accommodate a month's worth of supplies.

Alternatively, the U-shaped galley option, designed with a more crew-centric approach in mind, extends from the port side. This setup allows for cooking activities to take place discreetly while still leaving the forward section open for dining.

The semi and fully-enclosed yachts feature two sets of salon stairs: one leading up to the flybridge and the other descending to the cabins. Surprisingly, the open version only has one set leading down, which seems puzzling to us.

Despite being fully enclosed, the flybridge still maintains a deck-like feel, prompting us to explore it further. But first, let's head below deck to examine the full-beam owner's stateroom, which clearly benefits from the generous 21ft width of this Sirena model.

All Below 

The owner’s ensuite is located amidships, providing insulation from the engine bay beyond. It can be configured in two styles: full-beam twin, as seen on the test yacht, or with a walk-in closet. Opting for the closet option allows for additional storage and cabinetry space in the cabin, potentially accommodating an extra lounge area. Regardless of the layout chosen, both configurations include a study-come-dressing table.

The stateroom has an easy, relaxed style, enhanced by the hull-side glass, a dressing table, and a lounge area. It's the ideal space to contemplate the three trim levels available. The test boat featured the Inspiration finish, characterized by light fabrics and grey tonal cabinetry. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the more masculine Elegance, boasting contrasting dark woods and white leathers, as observed in the Sirena 88 review. Sitting between them is Serenity, offering a captivating blend of warm woods and leather that personally piques my interest.

The companionway forward has two ensuite twin cabins with the forward VIP using the hard-working offset berth design to good effect, creating a full-beam feel.

The upper helm station, situated neatly and discreetly to starboard, features an optional docking station on the aft deck to port. Its minimalistic design aims to complement rather than disrupt the deck lifestyle, but as the sole helm, it could benefit from a more authoritative presence.

A chart area and the ability to shield itself during night passages are essential features for a yacht with a range of 1,500nm. The optional adjustable helm seat is highly recommended for optimal comfort and functionality.

We have to start up on the flybridge, with its various states of enclosure. Sirena says the semi-enclosed option is proving popular, possibly because you win both the feel of an upper deck lounge and one that is allowed to open onto the aft deck completely. But the optional doors, folding right back to each side, wouldn’t get in the way very much and would allow you the luxury of complete enclosure and climate control. Perhaps the extra €UR 100,000 the doors cost puts people off?

In both semi and enclosed versions, you win electrically operated drop-down side windows and a sunroof, adding yet more versatility. With the teak deck and free-standing beach-club-style furniture the mix of deck lifestyle and luxury lounge is near perfect - the furniture on the test boat is designed to pull out and form various social layouts.

Simply Good

The overall design of the flybridge is fairly understated. The smaller Sirena 68’s flybridge works incredibly hard to deliver its wonderfully sociable lounge and bar layout. The 78 has more space to play with and seems less concerned with being clever, and happy to just lay on the various features. The bar is barely noticeable up by the helm and the open aft deck is clean and clear for loungers. In keeping with this boat’s culinary focus, between the lounge and deck lies a very well-appointed wet bar and grill that begs for frequent barbecues.

One thing that impresses on every Sirena I have seen (and I think I've seen them all) is the level of finish across the decks. Teak may be a dwindling resource, but not in Turkey it seems. Rich warm wood adorns every inch of the deck, from smooth borders to the aft deck seating to the magnificent cappings along the deep wide side decks. Along with chunky, large gauge stainless steel, it all adds a very real level of nautical tradition to these modern vessels. 

The aft deck is accessed up two sets of steps up from the hydraulic platform. The platform can take up to 800kg and is the main access point for the crew quarters.

The aft deck lounge flows nicely on from the salon, with a useful wet bar lying between. The side decks, with full overhangs and lighting, lead to a foredeck lounge that would be the main highlight on almost any other 25m yacht. Incredibly broad, it has two separate L-shape lounges forward, looking aft onto a massive sun pad. A perfect in-port retreat, the foredeck comes with smart bar tables and plenty of cold storage.  

It's appropriate that Sirena, known for its serious cruising yachts, offers a straightforward approach to options. The pricing structure allows for gradual upgrades, with increments starting at €UR 100,000 for open models, progressing to semi-enclosed, and finally fully enclosed flybridge models. Additionally, the three interior finishes are available without any additional cost, and Sirena is open to collaborating with buyers to customize their yachts to suit their preferences.

The upgraded 1,550hp MAN V12 engines performed admirably, although the standard 1,400hp engines are expected to work just as effectively. With the Sirena 78's leisurely cruising speed of 10-15 knots and a range of 1,500nm, both options provide assurance. Opting for the 1,800hp engines may offer a slight increase in speed, but it doesn't appear to be essential for this type of yacht. However, it's worth noting that adding stabilizers will incur additional costs.