Sirena 88 Review (2019 Edition)

Sirena's contemporary interpretation of the trawler yacht combines clean, functional design with elements of luxury, resulting in what they call an SUV or Sports Utility Vessel.

Across Sirena's yacht range, there's a consistent sense of confidence and equilibrium, but the new 88 flagship takes it to a higher level. The design, while still reflecting the brand's DNA, is more assertive, transitioning from subtle to commanding.

SUV Design

The SUV design, skillfully crafted by designer German Frers, features a tall, sharp vertical prow leading to bold sections of glass, sleek linear lines, and a dynamic diagonal structural sweep from the main deck to the flybridge.

This design offers numerous benefits. The decks are spacious and well-designed, the five-cabin interior sets a benchmark for space, and below the waterline, the semi-displacement hull can reach speeds of 25 knots with twin 1,500hp MAN engines. Moreover, by reducing the revs for a 9-knot speed, the yacht gains a range of 2,000nm. With optional fuel tanks, this range increases to over 3,000nm.

Sirena Quality

This is a yacht that takes its performance seriously. Delving deeper reveals even more commendable features. The level of craftsmanship matches that of any European builder, with sharp and clean exterior moldings and a smartly detailed interior. The engine bay, however, is a prime example of Sirena's build quality.

Accessible through the four-berth crew quarters, the engine room impresses with its spaciousness and impeccable engineering. The generous size of the engine room makes maintenance and operation of the engines much simpler. Given the length of the Sirena 88, it will likely be operated by a crew, and they will appreciate the ample space and easy access provided. Additionally, the well-ventilated engine bay ensures optimal efficiency for the large turbo-diesel engines.

Among 27-meter yachts with five cabins, few offer the level of choice and three excellent staterooms like this one. The overall interior design is well considered, with credit once again to designer Cor D Rover for their work.

Stepping in from the main deck aft, you're met with a vast salon revealed by sliding glass doors, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. It's often said that an owner's favorite spot onboard is usually the smallest - there are 100-meter superyachts with cozy nooks. While wide-open spaces can make a yacht feel expansive, they may not necessarily make you feel at home. The Sirena achieves the balance of being both spaciously relaxing and comfortably cozy.

Light, Bright & Calm

The lounge area transitions forward to the dining table, where twin pillars create a sense of cozy enclosure for each place. Despite the abundance of glass, the interior can feel bright and open, but drawing the blinds offers a warmer ambiance.

While there are no fold-down balconies, large sliding glass doors on either side of the dining area allow for an open interior. The galley on the 88 we tested was discreetly positioned forward, ideal for crew operations.

The finish in the deck salon is superb, featuring dark natural woods contrasted with clean white moldings and low free-standing furniture. While there are various options for finishes and layouts, this example of easy living is hard to fault.

Cabin Options

The cabin layout becomes a significant consideration. The yacht we examined featured a main deck master stateroom, accompanied by two additional VIP staterooms below decks — one forward and one aft— alongside two central twin guest cabins. The VIP staterooms are particularly impressive, boasting walk-in wardrobes and marble-clad ensuites. Each could serve as an owner's cabin, offering an intriguing option for those considering chartering their yacht.

Now, let's shift from the five-cabin layout we reviewed to the remarkable concept of a full Turkish Hamman. Sirena offers the option to install this spa facility in place of the forward VIP stateroom, directly beneath the main deck owner's stateroom. With the Hamman in place, the owner can enjoy an extraordinary double-height spa area — an amenity typically reserved for yachts over 50 meters. While it's uncertain how many have opted for this layout, as most prefer the excellent five-cabin arrangement, it's certainly an intriguing concept.

Owner’s Stateroom

Even without the Hamman, the owner's stateroom offers many attractions. The cabin itself is spacious, benefiting from the full width of the yacht, with large windows in the forward sections providing excellent views from the dressing table and club chairs on each side. The decor combines elements of classical and modern design, with warm cabinetry creating an inviting ambiance.

A proper walk-in wardrobe is conveniently located just off the entrance, while double doors lead forward to an en suite in the bows. Despite the generous space, there are still ample amenities, including a bath and shower on the port side and twin sinks. 

From the ensuite, there is one more surprise: a stairwell leading up to the foredeck, effectively creating a private owner's deck complete with an optional Jacuzzi. While accessible from the raised side decks, it can easily be cordoned off for charter guests.

The pilothouse design of the 88 features an impressive inner helm, boasting a central control seat, triple navigational screens, and a 180-degree wrap of windscreens. Although the screens are shallow, the view forward remains unobstructed, ensuring adequate visibility.

Accessible from both the flybridge and salon, the inner helm design lacks space for guests, providing only a raised night berth. Typically, during daytime operations, the 88 is helmed from the upper flybridge helm station, equipped with two sturdy seats, a pair of display screens, and excellent all-around visibility, with convenient access to the port deck.

Sirena's design prioritizes safety and spaciousness across its model range. The trend continues with a wide aft deck, enclosed side decks, and a sizable tender garage that can double as a waterside terrace. The hydraulic bathing platform adds to the enjoyment, serving as a convenient swim platform.

Upper Deck Living

The flybridge deck stands out as the main attraction on deck. It offers ample space, featuring a large bar and galley area at its center. Adorned with teak, stainless steel ribs, and a marble top, the bar is complemented by a spacious dining table, comfortably accommodating 10 people.

A notable feature enhancing the flybridge's draw is its hardtop. Providing structural integrity while offering openness, it includes a retractable sunroof above the dining area, providing shade. Additionally, there's room for an optional Jacuzzi towards the aft, without compromising space for loungers at the rear of the flybridge.

Deck System

The owner's cabin spans the full beam, dictating the deck layout, with the side decks ascending towards the bow. Towards the front of the flybridge deck, a side gate grants access to the elevated Port-side deck, featuring a helpful wing extension for the skipper's enhanced visibility. Descending easily leads to the lowered foredeck, passing two sizable sun pads, while following the deck around to starboard reveals steps down to the main deck level. The main deck stops just aft of the wing station on the Port side.

This arrangement of the main and raised decks often exposes certain areas, but here, every deck location feels safely sheltered, contributing to a cohesive layout.

Make no mistake, this yacht is highly capable and meticulously constructed, rivaling any of the major European builders. With its impressive specification and finish, the base price of €UR 3.9M ex-tax appears quite appealing, but its standout feature is its five exceptional cabins, making it nearly unbeatable.

Given the relatively new Sirena brand and its lesser-known reputation compared to established names like Ferretti or Sunseeker, the 88 must offer excellent value. When compared to a market leader like the Princess Y85, priced at €UR 4.7M with four cabins, the 88 holds its own impressively.

Five Cabin Options

When comparing 90ft-plus five-cabin European models, it's rare to find anything under €UR 6M. Even when considering Far East builders like Horizon and its robust SUV-style FD87, the Sirena still stands out. While the Horizon offers a larger feel and five cabins, its €UR 6M price tag sets it apart.

The Sirena's closest competitor is the Numarine 26XP, a four-cabin SUV priced at €UR 4M. Sirena's strategy of offering a 27m, five-cabin yacht with a main deck owner's stateroom at this price point demonstrates clever thinking, providing exceptional value for money.