SIRENA YACHTS BRINGS SILENT, ELECTRIC CRUISING TO THE MARKET WITH NEW SIRENA 48 HYBRID COUPE

Sirena Yachts has introduced the all-new hybrid version of its popular Sirena 48 yacht. Building on the successful entry point to the range, the new yacht is distinguished by its powerful electric drive, integrated solar panels and seductive looks.

Connoisseurs of the Sirena range will recognise the contemporary lines of the new yacht, with its plumb bow and wrap-around glass windows. This is still the award-winning Sirena 48 with its expansive deck space and flexible three-cabin layout. But the hybrid variant features the new Coupé style superstructure, which presents a low profile and sporty curves.

Silent electric power with the world debut of this yacht, Sirena has succeeded in bringing true serial hybrid power to the mid-sized cruiser market. The technology speaks for itself. Twin 213kW motors by E-Motion provide the power to take on challenging conditions, without compromising the ability to manoeuvre delicately at close quarters.

Energy is stored in a large battery bank – twin 39.1kWh lithium-ion packs as standard, but expandable up to 156.4kWh with two further packs. State of the art power management and the twin 180kW range-extending generators mean that almost any usage profile can now benefit from the efficiency and CO2 savings of the hybrid powertrain. Maximum speed is 14 knots, but cruising pace is a more reasonable 6.5 knots using less than 35kW of power. At this rate, the standard battery pack gives the boat a 12 nautical mile range in full electric mode, or 24nm with the extended batteries. It is eminently possible to reach a favourite anchorage or marina for lunch under battery power alone.

The hybrid architecture comes into play for longer passages. Using combined battery and efficient generators, the Sirena 48 Hybrid Coupe has a cruising range of 350 nautical miles, and arrives with the batteries topped up for a silent night. At top speed, the range is still a very decent 240nm.

“The Sirena 48 Hybrid Coupe can operate in silence, with just the noise of the water on the hull to let you know you’re under way,” said Sirena CEO Cagin Genc. “No noise and no emissions become a reality, bringing owners and their guests closer than ever to the elements. We think that this elevates the joy of yachting and will appeal strongly to cruisers with family. And with its flexible range extenders, this yacht offers both stealth and range.”

The curved Coupé roof of the superstructure serves a double purpose. It blends darkened glass with flush, integrated solar panels that can recharge the yacht’s battery bank. From the dock you can’t tell the difference between the two finishes, but in fact there are an impressive 4.2kW of solar panels built into the roof.

Naturally, charging conditions vary according to the weather and the location of the yacht, but these panels are capable of pumping 10-12kWh back into the batteries on a good day. This can extend the period of silent operation, either adding valuable extra miles under electric power or additional hours at anchor.

Being an efficient hybrid yacht doesn’t mean giving up the comforts that contribute to a luxurious experience on the water. In fact, the Sirena 48 Hybrid Coupe is in every other sense the same as the Sirena 48, with its roomy interior and generous exterior lounging spaces.

An owner’s cabin spans the full beam of the boat amidships on the lower deck. Besides the king-size double bed, this haven of relaxation offers a deep sofa to starboard and a vanity table or desk to port. Its ensuite bathroom has a separate shower enclosure and lots of storage space for toiletries. There’s a VIP cabin at the bow, with the queen-size bed positioned on the centreline. And a third cabin to starboard can be configured as a twin or double, as the owner wishes. The two additional cabins share a well-equipped bathroom. The boat’s social centre is the large saloon which fills the main deck. There’s the navigation station and pilot seat up front, while the L-shaped galley and dinette are to port. You can comfortably sit six for dinner, or opt to make the most of al fresco living by moving to the cockpit aft instead. Here, the table can be raised or lowered at will to convert from relaxed coffees to dining with a view. Or use the fill-in cushions to extend the sofas into a lounger / daybed.

Down steps on either quarter you reach the broad bathing platform, which can be turned to a multitude of uses. All versions feature a hydraulic platform which makes a launch pad for swimming exploits and water sports, or serves as a lift for the tender. After that, it is up to the owner to define how they wish to use the boat.

One of the most intriguing options for owners wanting a degree of service on board is to dedicate the transom space to a captain or crew. There is room here for a cosy single bed and heads. Some will prefer to have a swing-up transom lid that gives access to a huge toy storage space – from Seabobs and kiteboards to dive equipment. You can also have the transom designed with a seat that folds out into a large sunbed right at the water’s edge.

There’s even an option to do away with the second set of stairs and extend the cockpit seating area above. The asymmetrical space can then accommodate four armchairs positioned longitudinally – able to admire the view aft and focused around a central table.

“We think there is no better offer on the market today for an innovative 48-foot family cruiser,” added Genc. “Sharp styling, a highly flexible layout and the efficiencies of the hybrid propulsion system have never before been combined in this size and price range. When you consider the 1.16m (3ft 10in) draft and the modest height of the Coupé superstructure, this is a boat destined to open up inshore waters and waterways, such as America’s ICW or Australia’s Gold Coast.”