The semi-displacement hull is engineered for unparalleled stability and safety, even in stormy conditions. The optimised interior and exterior dimensions ensure a premium maritime experience
by Niccolò Volpati
The weather conditions were not ideal. The wind had been blowing quite strongly since the morning and showed no sign of letting up throughout the day. The appointment at the quay was for late afternoon; I wondered if I would be able to do the test. The closer the appointment got, the more the rumours in Vieux Port in Cannes left no room for hope. The sea is rough, the wind is strong: none of the boats on display at the Boat Show are going out. All the trials have been cancelled. So I set off without much hope, but when I arrive at the Sirena 60’s mooring, I find the atmosphere calm. No one was worried or agitated. I asked what the plan was and was told that we would be setting sail for the test in a few minutes.
The Sirena 60 provides more space for lounging, improved storage capabilities and a truly eye-catching modern aesthetic, both inside and out.
As we left the harbour, we passed many boats, including large ones, all returning quickly. We, on the other hand, had our bow pointing out to sea. What a wonderful feeling! Boats, or so they used to say, are made for this very purpose. They are made, or should be made, to cope with all weather conditions. The weather changes, and in summer it does so quickly. You will likely encounter challenging seas, but that should not cause too much concern. For the Sirena 60, that is undoubtedly the case. From the interior helm station in the dinette, we gradually accelerate. At just over ten knots, we plane. Then, pushing the throttle, we reach 16, then 20, and finally maximum speed, which is 23.7 knots.
The soundproofing in the engine room is very effective, as noise levels in the adjacent master cabin are very low.
The semi-displacement hull, designed by Germán Frers, as were the shipyard’s others, performed flawlessly. Whether heading into the bow, beam or three-quarters, the hull demonstrated excellent stability and smoothness. With the sea ahead, the bow almost sank into the two-metre waves, and a lot of water broke on the windscreen. It felt like being in a car wash. One of those automatic ones where you can stay inside the vehicle. My eyes perceived a situation that was, if not dangerous, at least worrying, but I did not feel that way. The bow cut through the waves nicely, and the hull rose and fell on the rough sea. When I reversed course to return to port, I enjoyed the sea ahead. Nowadays, you increasingly see open sterns, almost skimming the water, and I wonder if the stern sea has been abolished by decree. They are beautiful, indeed wonderful, especially if they have folding sides, but only if the sea is flat. And when a wave comes from astern, how do they behave? This is not an issue on the Sirena 60. Here, there is a large platform, but to access the cockpit, you need to use one of the two ladders. The cockpit and the entire deck are high above the sea, so waves are never a concern, even if they are two metres high and coming from behind.
Three cabins and three bathrooms ensure comfortable extended stays on board for six people. The full beam master cabin is located amidships.
This boat has been designed to embody the spirit of sailing. Its meticulous engineering ensures smooth and problem-free sailing. The rudder is remarkably smooth and responsive, making it easy to manoeuvre, even in challenging weather. There is a flybridge and a hardtop above it, but the crosswind and 25-knot winds are not a problem either for course stability or for any water splashing on deck. The engine room houses the IPS system, powered by Volvo Penta D13 engines, each delivering 1,000 horsepower and excellent fuel economy. At 16 knots, the boat burns only 200 litres per hour; at the maximum speed, it needs just over 300 litres. In addition, the IPS transmission makes the ship very manoeuvrable. The vessel’s performance is balanced and quiet, consistent with the feel and functionality expected of a semi-displacement hull. Furthermore, the emphasis on comfort is notable. Sailing with calmness and ease is a pleasant experience, and it is preferable to do so in a vessel that prioritises comfort over a spartan design. The interiors, deck and flybridge are undoubtedly designed for comfort. The Sirena 60 maintains the same philosophy that the shipyard has always had.
Volvo Penta IPS systems contribute to making the Sirena 60 highly manoeuvrable, both at sea and when mooring. The layout offers many alternatives. Sunbathing, dining, and living areas are located on both the main deck and the flybridge.
The bow is still very vertical, while the stern platform offers more space than previous models. The bow area houses a living area with two linear sofas facing each other, a table and a large sun deck. In the cockpit, there is a dining table with additional seating, and on the flybridge, there is space for the external helm station, another sun deck, a bar cabinet and a living area. Relaxation is guaranteed and can be enjoyed in any location on board. The dinette, as per tradition, is fully glazed and therefore panoramic. On the lower deck, the sleeping area consists of three cabins, each with its own bathroom. The master cabin is amidships, the VIP cabin is at the bow, and the guest cabin has parallel beds.
The fuel tanks have a capacity of 3,600 litres, allowing for a truly remarkable range: 250 miles at maximum speed and 545 at minimum gliding speed.
Engine room
The two Volvo Penta D13 engines are the perfect choice for the hull’s waterlines because, in addition to providing thrust, they also guarantee low fuel consumption.
SIRENA YACHTS
[email protected]
www.sirenayachts.com
Dealer
GPY Marine
www.gpymarine.it
PROJECT
Frers Yacht Design (naval architecture), Sirena Design Team (exterior styling & concept, and interior design)
HULL
LOA 19.45m • Length 17.18m • Maximum beam 5.36m • Draft 1.24m • Displacement 35,900 kg • Fuel tank volume 3,600 l • Water tank volume 800 l
MAIN PROPULSION
2x Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350 • Outlet mechanical power 735 kW (1,000 hp) • Swept volume 12.8 l • 6 cylinders in line • Dry weight 2,458 kg
EC CERTIFICATION
CAT A
(Sirena 60 – Always safe – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, January 2026)
