Boat testers are supposed to be as impartial as Switzerland when it comes to having pre-conceived preferences about certain vessels, so let's get the disclaimer out there before we start this review of the Sirena 58 expedition trawler.
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The designer is legendary naval architect German Frers, a man I've practically idolised since my school days. Where other kids had photos of Lamborghinis and Karen Pini on their walls, I had magazine centrefolds of the Admirals Cup yacht Hitchhiker and maxi Ragamuffin that Frers penned.
He was a disciple of brothers Olin and Rod Stephens - of Sparkman and Stephens fame - and his work is unfailingly graceful and evocative. The 78-year-old recently told a yachting magazine: "Design should transcend generations. It's easy to do something fashionable, something that has momentary success but doesn't last."
It's a philosophy that augers well for the Sirena 58, a semi-displacement flybridge trawler that brings a refreshing clean-sheet approach to the bluewater expedition genre - it may be different now, but not for long.
The hull's reverse-swept bow is punctuated by a pronounced chine, while a vertical windscreen resides atop tall, sculptured topsides and a sheerline that defies French curves. Not pretty in the classical sense, but practical and distinctive.
That the 58 comes from a relatively new player in Turkish-based Sirena Yachts is appropriate, for the company was unburdened by old-school ways when it set forth in 2014 to build motor yachts that were "bold, sophisticated and spacious by design".
First and foremost, there's the inherent hull efficiency that's a hallmark of sailboat masters like Frers, and highly beneficial to range and running costs. The Sirena, displacing around 34 tonnes, achieves a respectable 23-knot top speed from twin 650hp Caterpillar diesels, where conventional planing vessels of this size generally run 800-900hp motors.
It uses its long waterline and fine entry to cleave through waves, displaying very little bow lift under acceleration. What's more, the hull has excellent form stability and tracking ability, making it a genuine point-and-shoot cruiser that can fend for itself under autopilot.
From the upper helm it's such a pleasure to feel the yacht-like vibe mingled with fresh sea air on your face, however there's a second helm station in the cabin for winter months.
The wide-bodied, high-sided 58 also has ample room to move when it comes to onboard entertaining. Starting aft, there's a generous boarding platform stretching 1.4 metres from the transom and fully utilising the 5.4-metre beam.
The cockpit enjoys full shade protection from the flybridge overhang and basks at night under the glow of 10 LED downlights. If sunbaking's your thing, head to the foredeck where a lounge and sunbed await.
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Transitioning into the Sirena's saloon, one could be forgiven for thinking they'd entered a trendy Scandinavian apartment - no mean feat for a Turkish builder, Argentinian designer and a preeminent Italian interior specialist (Tommaso Spadolini).
It immediately soothes with hues of ash and wenge timbers, white Corian benchtops and creamy fabrics. There are other finishes available, but this one resonates a warm, contemporary appeal.
Each window frames a perfect water colour painting. Most notable is the vertical windscreen, which lets in views and natural light but not direct heat from the sun.
A circular stairwell then leads to the accommodation deck and a three-cabin, three-bathroom standard layout. This is where the Sirena absolutely shines. The full-beam master cabin offers a vast amount of height for a vessel of this length, including a king-sized island bed and walk-in en suite. A VIP vee cabin and twin-berth guest cabin complete the picture.
Modern, memorable - a Turkish delight in every sense, priced from $2.3 million.
More information: eyachts.com.au, boats@eyachts.com.au
Hobart in high demand
Entries opened for the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race this week and already there's promising signs of pent-up demand following last year's late cancellation due to a COVID outbreak on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Barring further issues, it will mark the 77th running of the bluewater classic, and Cruising Yacht Club of Australia commodore Noel Cornish notes: "It is our hope that the great race will once again bring together a large group of dedicated and passionate sailors from across Australia and around the world".
Quick to oblige were French entry Merci, an Open 60 Lavranos, and the Pac 52 Warrior Won from the US. The 100-footer InfoTrack has also entered and is likely to have Belmont's Chris Nicholson aboard, fresh from his Ocean Race Europe campaign where Akzo Nobel finished third on countback.
This year's Hobart race will accept two-handed crews for the first time. Shorthanded passage sailing is being introduced to the Olympic Games for 2024, and the annual Sydney Hobart shapes as a perfect training leg.
To qualify, boats entering this year's event must have competed in an ocean race or ocean passage of at least 150 nautical miles. The upcoming Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race and the Cabbage Tree Island Race from Sydney to Port Stephens are among those.
Details and Notice of Race at rolexsydneyhobart.com
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