It’s an exciting time for Turkish shipyard Sirena. 2026 will see the delivery of two very different, yet equally impressive, yachts: the first model in its superyacht line, the 42m, and the 36-metre 118.
Both models represent two different ways of experiencing life at sea. The 118 is an evolution of the shipyard’s beloved composite line, whereas the 42m signals a bold new chapter for the brand – a full superyacht experience with steel and aluminium construction and transoceanic capabilities. BOAT takes a closer look at both yachts to see how they compare…
Classic Sirena lines
At first glance, the 42m and 118 may appear strikingly different, yet they share some key design elements. Both maintain the shipyard’s signature plumb bow and rectangular hull glazing.
Key differences emerge when you examine the details. With Luca Vallebona selected to design the exteriors of the 42m, renderings show a silvery hull colour, departing from the traditional white hull of the 118, which was designed by Sirena's in-house team. The 42m also features higher bulwarks on the main deck forward, concealing a private owner’s terrace, compared to the more open forward deck of the 118. This towing bow gives the 42m an imposing, confident stance.
“The 118 feels like the natural evolution of what people already love about Sirena. It’s almost like taking the essence of the smaller sisters and stretching it into a larger, more elegant form. The lines are flowing, the proportions are balanced, and there’s that warmth and approachability that makes it instantly familiar,” explains Tanıl Sürmeli, product development manager at Sirena. “The 42M, on the other hand, is where we allowed ourselves to be bolder. It’s the start of a new chapter in our design language - more architectural, more purposeful. It has a confidence that signals, ‘this is a superyacht built to go anywhere’.”
An owner’s paradise
Interestingly, despite the 42m being larger in LOA, the 118 houses six cabins, compared to five on the 42m. The reason is that the 42m prioritises expansive, multi-level spaces rather than the number of cabins. Its standout feature is a double-height owner’s terrace. Sliding doors open from the forward-facing master on the main deck to a cosy seating area, complete with a slatted sun/shade feature and an adjacent Jacuzzi. Ascend the staircase to the bridge deck and a huge observation lounge awaits, offering panoramic views.
Sürmeli calls this his favourite spot on board: “It’s a secluded outdoor retreat with incredible views, where you can have breakfast, sunbathe or just disappear with a book - it feels almost like having your own patio at sea.”
The 118’s forward-facing main deck master also enjoys a foredeck terrace with a Jacuzzi which is slightly more compact than the 42m. It also includes a versatile private room on the lower deck that can be customised to the owner’s wishes, complete with a fold-down balcony. Guest accommodations are located on the lower deck. The 42m’s crew quarters are forward on the lower deck with the captain’s cabin on the bridge deck, while the 118 houses all crew on the lower deck amidships, freeing the bow for the guest cabins.
“Behind the scenes, the 42M also steps up in how it’s run,” Sürmeli continues. “The crew areas and service spaces are more advanced, which means owners get a higher level of service with total privacy — perfect for longer trips.”
Expansive spaces for life at sea
Both the Sirena 42m and 118 prioritise open, inviting spaces that make life on board feel effortless, but they do so in distinct ways. “The 118 is all about openness and light. It has that seamless flow between inside and out, with big windows and bright spaces that make you feel connected to the sea at every moment. It’s relaxed, sophisticated and perfect for people who want something contemporary and easy-going without losing the sense of luxury.”
The 42m expands on this philosophy with more generous volumes and dedicated zones. “Thanks to the steel and aluminium platform, we can give owners higher ceilings, more volume and layouts that feel truly personal — think full-beam master suites on the main deck, extra lounges and dedicated spaces for longer trips. It’s a yacht designed for people who see it as more of a home for extended voyages rather than just a holiday retreat.”
Personalisation has always been a big part of Sirena’s approach. Both models offer owners the freedom to customise every corner of their yacht. With Cor D. Rover designing the 118’s interiors and Hot Lab shaping those of the 42m, owners can tailor key spaces such as the main saloon, master suite and guest cabins with a range of stylistic palettes.
GRP vs steel and aluminium
Built in GRP, the 118 continues Sirena's composite line tradition, while the 42m is constructed in steel and aluminium. This isn’t a stylistic choice but a matter of scale and capability.
“Our shift to steel and aluminium isn’t about changing what we do best; it’s about scale and what clients want once you go beyond a certain length,” explains Sürmeli. “Composite production works beautifully up to a certain size; it’s faster, more efficient and ideal for serial production thanks to mould-based construction. It has always been our comfort zone. But past that size, the composite process loses efficiency, and when you add the owners and structural expectations, steel and aluminium become the natural choice.”
Both yachts feature fast displacement hulls, delivering a smooth, efficient ride across a wide speed range. The 118, being lighter, reaches top speeds of about 21 knots, making it ideal for owners who enjoy agility. The 42m prioritises long-range cruising, with a 4,000-nautical-mile range and a top speed of 15 knots, designed for comfort and endurance rather than pace. The 42m also offers larger tender garages and toy storage, enabling greater adventure with jet skis, diving gear and a chase tender.
“It’s not that one is ‘better’ than the other - they just serve different missions. The 118 is ideal if you want agility and speed in a composite package; the 42M is for those dreaming of crossing oceans with all the stability and endurance steel and aluminium can offer,” concludes Sürmeli.
To find out more information about the Sirena 42m or 118, contact the shipyard.
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