On Test

Sirena 78 Enclosed Review (2023 Edition)

Adding an enclosed flybridge, taking away a helm station, and doubling up on salons, the Sirena 78 is an exciting calculation in modern yacht design.

Bridging the gap between the excellent four-cabin 68 and the award-winning 88 flagship, the Sirena 78 is undoubtedly an important model in this modern trawler range. With so many outstanding siblings around it, what can this still four-cabin cruiser bring to market? Well, for a start it comes with Sirena’s first enclosed flybridge — but that's just the start of the story. 

Sirena 78 Enclosed Key Facts

Sirena 78 Enclosed illustration
  • LOA 25m
  • Model Year 2023
  • Cabins 4
  • Crew 2
  • Max Speed 24 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Enclosed Flybridge
  • Use Type Cruising

Test & Review Video

Performance & Handling

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.

Sirena 78 design
The German Frers design is a crisp, confident and very capable take on the trawler yacht © Sirena

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.

Sirena 78 design
The 78 is the first Sirena to offer an enclosed flybridge © Sirena

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.

Design & Build

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.

Sirena 78 design
The enclosed fly sits quietly on this yacht, with no top-heavy looks © Sirena

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.

Sirena 78 design, Sirena 78 flybridge
The flybridge deck can be open, fully-enclosed or semi-enclosed as seen here © Sirena

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.

Interior Accommodation

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.

Sirena 78 salon
The massive, glass-lined salon pushes right forward, with no lower helm for the enclosed models © Sirena
Sirena 78 design
© Sirena
Sirena 78 salon, Sirena 78 galley
© Sirena

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.

Sirena 78 salon, Sirena 78 galley
With no helm, a dining area and study enjoy the view forward © Sirena

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.

Sirena 78 cabins
The owner’s stateroom enjoys the 78’s 6.5m beam and comes with some useful options © Sirena

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.

Sirena 78 cabins
© Sirena
Sirena 78 cabins
© Sirena
Sirena 78 cabins
The forward VIP has a full-beam feel © Sirena

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.

Sirena 78 cabins
Symmetrical twin guest cabins come with ensuites © Sirena

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.

Helm Station

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.

Sirena 78 helm
A neat upper helm, but is it enough for a 1,500nm liveaboard yacht? © Sirena
Sirena 78 helm
© Sirena
Sirena 78 helm
© Sirena

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.

On Deck

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.

Sirena 78 flybridge
The flybridge design moves from luxury lounge to open deck at the touch of a button © Sirena

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.

Sirena 78 decks
© Sirena
Sirena 78 decks
© Sirena
Sirena 78 decks
You won’t find better decks on a boat under 25m © Sirena

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.

Sirena 78 decks
The hydraulic platform can take an 800kg tender or act as a fun terrace © Sirena

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.  

Value For Money

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.

Sirena 78 design
A superb cruising yacht, the Sirena 78 offers so much space and style © Sirena

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.

Our Verdict

They’re are some easy wins for the 78, it is noticeably bigger than the 68 and usefully less money than the 88. It also has the option of that enclosed flybridge, a first for Sirena. A 1,500nm range and solid seakeeping add to the feel of a liveaboard yacht designed for serious cruising, even if the helm needs a few easy fixes. The 78 has few rivals on size and specification, although, the decision not to offer a main deck stateroom option might be an issue. The 78’s biggest challenge may well come from within. If you don’t want to enclose the fly, the excellent 68 can deliver four cabins and enjoys one of those designs that just seems to hang together superbly well, while the five or six cabin 88 is on a completely different level to pretty much every other boat around 25m. 

Reasons to Buy

  • Super-spacious four-cabin design
  • Semi or fully-enclosed flybridge
  • Solid, long-distance cruising machine
  • Massive main salon pushes right forward

Things to Consider

  • Neat but small helm station
  • No option for main deck cabin

Rivals to Consider

There is a growing crop of next-generation designs that mix flybridge, trawler and, quite often, something unique into one very usable serious cruising yacht.

The Sirena’s own mix of space, unapologetically modernist design and cruising performance is matched by the Princess X80 which adds the option of a five-cabin layout with a spectacular main deck owner’s stateroom at the expense of a forward kitchen and dining area. The X80’s interior design is a masterclass with a superb main salon and galley. It also has an enclosed upper lounge that includes the sole but very impressive helm station where the yacht’s 30-knot performance can be enjoyed.

If trawler style is your thing, the Azimut Magellano 25M delivers a more respectful, charm-laden but still modern interpretation. The pilothouse design reflects the serious cruising credentials of the yacht, as does a 1,000nm range. The pilothouse also allows the main deck salon to push right forward with a galley up towards the bows. Below decks, four spacious ensuite cabins will look after eight people. The design also sets the crew forward so there’s space for a tender garage aft. 

Reflecting contemporary flybridge design the Australian way, the big, powerful Riviera 78 Motor Yacht is available with an enclosed flybridge. Its 10,000 US gal (38,000-litre) fuel tanks and capable hull will push past 34 knots but also reach 2,500nm at 7 knots.

If an enclosed fly isn’t a priority then you must look at the Absolute Navetta 75, a similarly modern take on the trawler yacht that feels as big as the 78 and comes with two excellent staterooms and a vast upper deck.  

Specifications

  • Builder Sirena Yachts
  • Model Sirena 78 Enclosed
Sirena 78 Enclosed illustration
  • Length Overall 25m
  • Beam 6.5m
  • Draft(full load) 1.73m
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 4
  • Berths 8
  • Crew 2
  • Yacht Type (Primary) Enclosed Flybridge
  • Use Type (Primary) Cruising
  • Cruising Speed
    Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 9,000 Litres
  • Fresh Water Capacity 1,800 Litres
  • Engine Model 2x MAN V12-1550
  • Engine economic speed 10 knots

Sirena 78 Enclosed Layout

  • Semi-Enclosed: Lounge, with bar

     layout

    You can have what you want up top, but a mix of free-standing furniture and the forward bar works well, leaving an open aft deck with a barbecue area. Note the single helm to starboard.

  •  layout

    The massive main salon pushes right forward into a dining area. The kitchen is huge with a central island and portside preparation area.

  • Optional his and hers ensuite in owner's suite

     layout

    The lower deck is conventional with a full-beam owner's suite, two guest cabins and a forward VIP. The crew quarters lies aft with the option of two or three berths.