Willie Urbieta, the owner of US-based Sirena Yachts, is set to achieve a remarkable feat as he becomes the first ever owner of two 21.4-meter Sirena 68 vessels.
Having previously purchased a Sirena 58 for use in the United States, the semi-retired oil executive took the plunge and ordered a Sirena 68 for his Mediterranean cruising adventures. Not content with just one, Urbieta made the decision to upgrade his Sirena 58 to a second Sirena 68, scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
This extraordinary move sets Urbieta apart from other Sirena Yachts owners, as he will soon have the privilege of enjoying the benefits of his two spacious explorers in two distinctly different environments. In an exclusive interview, Urbieta shares the reasoning behind his choice of the Sirena 68 model, his personal preference for docking his vessels, and the advantages he derives from his truly unique ownership position.
Urbieta’s first Sirena yacht, the Sirena 58, offered the Fort Lauderdale-based owner and his family the perfect opportunity to take delivery in Istanbul and explore the scenery of the Turkish coast and the Greek islands before taking the yacht home to dock in the US.
However, in order to immerse himself fully into the boating lifestyle in south Florida and make space for his growing family, 65-year-old Urbieta felt it was time for an upgrade, as he explains: “I spent my summers on a boat in the mid 1960s in south Florida, which was just fantastic. I wanted to go back to being part of this very particular boating culture and lifestyle as I absolutely love it, and the Sirena 68 is the perfect boat for this, due to its generous volume, ample indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces and fantastic flybridge. Another factor was size of course: I have my daughter, my son-in-law and three grandkids to consider, so I knew I was going to have to go a little bigger to accommodate everyone.”
Unveiled to the world in 2021, the Sirena 68 yacht was made by Germán Frers, who stands behind its naval architecture and exterior design, and Cor D. Rover, who is responsible for the captivating interiors.
Designed with Urbieta's expanding family in mind, the Sirena 68 offers generous living spaces capable of accommodating up to eight guests. The master suite, positioned amidships, exudes a sense of luxurious tranquility, while the yacht's standout feature lies in its expansive flybridge deck – the largest in its class. Onboard, a crew of two, comprising a capable captain and a dedicated stewardess.
“I have to say, I really do enjoy docking my own boat,” says Urbieta. “Of course, there is always a risk of making a mistake, so I make use of a yacht controller, but once I’m outside the dock and out of the marina, I let the captain take charge so that I can fully relax with my family and friends.”
The Sirena 68 sports a resin-infused hull combined with a lightweight high-tech carbon fiber superstructure and hard top produced by Sirena Yachts’ in-house engineering department, which offer numerous benefits for its performance. These include improving onboard stability, reducing fuel consumption and providing the yacht with a longer range and higher speed.
Urbieta explains that onboard comfort is a priority for any boat in his fleet: “When I buy a yacht from Sirena Yachts, I get as many extras as possible to make the boat as comfortable as it can be. I choose to have gyros, fins, DPS (dynamic position satellites), a yacht controller and an extra station on the outside to help me dock the boat. Spending time on the boat is what makes me happy and my real passion, so I am keen to make it the best possible experience.”
Urbieta also has some substantial travel plans in the pipeline for his new Sirena 68, including exploring Saint Martin, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands and more. Thankfully, the Sirena 68 is well suited for such adventures. Built to CE Category A certification (the highest certification for recreation craft under 24 meters), the semi displacement yacht is capable of reaching top speeds of 26 knots with the 1,000 horsepower Volvo D13s option, and cruises comfortably at 20-21 knots.
When asked to name his favorite areas of his current Sirena 68, Urbieta first highlights his onboard office area. “It is wonderful being able to work on board – my office is right where the windshield of the boat is, next to the helm. I have my computer and my printer there and it is perfect. Every time I go into a different port, I can enjoy a different view from where I am working.”
Secondly, Urbieta also highlights the benefits of the Sirena 68’s famously spacious flybridge for hosting groups of family and friends. “When I was visiting Spain, I had a lot of relatives who I didn’t know very well, so I got them together and hosted all 30 of them together on the flybridge and we just had the most amazing time together. I love the social element of the boating lifestyle which has been enabled by owning these Sirena Yachts. People are drawn to lovely boats, and this brings so many like minded people together who derive pleasure from being out on the water.”
Sirena Yachts is a Turkish yacht brand. The company produces semi-displacement motor yachts ranging from 17m to over 50m.
Credits: Pozitif Studio/Sirena Yachts
Moonen Yachts is excited to announce the signing of an exclusive global sales representation agreement with IYC.Through this new partnership, IYC will serve as the global sales force for Moonen Yachts. The sales team will be led by Richard Gray in London, UK, and Matthew Stone in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. IYC’s brokers worldwide will represent and support the Moonen Yachts business, providing sales advertising, promotional materials, and marketing support, while collaborating with other brokers to boost sales and enhance the Moonen brand's visibility.Moonen Yachts selected IYC as its sales partner based on the strong relationships developed with Richard Gray and Matthew Stone over the past year.Matthew and Louise Baxter, owners of Moonen Yachts, stated, “IYC’s global presence, experience in the superyacht market, and deep understanding of the Moonen brand were crucial factors in our decision to collaborate.” They emphasized the importance of having a strong representation in key global markets to connect with discerning customers who appreciate the value, comfort, safety, and lifestyle offered by a Moonen yacht. “We are confident that IYC will excel in this role, benefiting not just Moonen Yachts, but also IYC and our clients.”Richard Gray expressed pride in this strategic alliance, declaring, “This landmark agreement between IYC and Moonen Yachts is a pivotal moment for both our companies.”Matthew Stone added, “We are delighted to formalize our global partnership with Moonen Yachts. This milestone reflects our mutual dedication to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction. Moonen Yachts is distinguished for its high-quality vessels, a testament to the manufacturer's commitment, generational expertise, and storied history. Matthew and Louise Baxter are passionate about their product and workforce and are willing to embrace calculated risks to ensure continued success for the company.”Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts
September 18, 2024
As the boat show season unfolds, Saxdor Yachts is excited to announce its participation in the 2024 Genoa International Boat Show, set to take place from September 19th to 24th, in partnership with its Italian dealer, Supermarine. Saxdor will showcase an impressive lineup of five models, highlighted by the Italian debuts of the newly unveiled Saxdor 340 GTWA and 400 GTC. Saxdor 340 GTWAAt the forefront of Saxdor’s exhibit is the innovative Saxdor 340 GTWA, which made its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Originally introduced as the 320 GTWA, this model redefines the walkaround category by offering unparalleled versatility and protection against various weather conditions. Unique features include large fold-down side terraces that expand the outdoor social space, alongside a bright wheelhouse and adaptable seating that enhance the interior’s comfort and elegance. Attendees at the Genoa show will have the opportunity to experience the 340 GTWA’s perfect blend of accessibility, style, and comfort first-hand.Saxdor 400 GTC Also making its first public appearance in Italy is the Saxdor 400 GTC. With a spacious wheelhouse and an expansive deck layout, this latest addition to the flagship series combines luxurious design with impressive performance. Its large, insulated glazing ensures a bright, inviting interior that provides comfort no matter the weather. In addition to these two premieres, Saxdor will display the popular 320 GTO and 270 GTO models, offering a diverse array of boats that showcase the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality. Saxdor 340 GTWASaxdor's participation in the Genoa Boat Show follows a period of significant growth in the Italian market. The partnership with Supermarine has been crucial in enhancing Saxdor’s presence and success in Italy. With an expanding product lineup and increased production capabilities, Saxdor Yachts is establishing itself as a leader in versatile and innovative watercraft for every lifestyle.Since its inception in 2019, Saxdor Yachts has experienced exponential growth, producing over 1000 boats and capturing the industry’s attention with their innovative approach. Now, with the introduction of the Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor Yachts aims to make waves in the 40-45 ft sport boat market, leveling up from the game-changing entry-level 200 and mid-range 320 models.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
September 18, 2024
ISA Yachts announces the sale of the fourth unit of its 45-meter ISA Gran Turismo series to a discerning European client, with delivery expected in 2026.The shipyard's skilled technical team has developed the naval architecture in-house, while renowned designer Enrico Gobbi of Team 4 Design has crafted both the exterior and interior spaces. This latest iteration builds upon its predecessor, incorporating the owner's preferences and reflecting contemporary industry trends.Constructed from aluminum, the yacht features a powerful propulsion system with two MTU 16V engines, each generating 2600 hp, enabling her to achieve a maximum speed of 20 knots.The exterior design showcases hallmark ISA Yachts elements, such as the dramatic arches interlinking the hull and superstructure, along with semi-circular entrances to both the main deck saloon and the upper deck living area. The yacht's streamlined silhouette and bold lines emphasize its status as a sophisticated sports coupé.Inside, the ISA GT 45 offers ample space, accommodating 8 guests in four well-appointed cabins, in addition to an opulent full-beam master suite complete with an office, dual wardrobes, and bathrooms.The redesigned aft cockpit on the main deck features an 8-seater dining table, a spacious relaxation area with a C-shaped sofa, and a sunbathing zone. Accessing the beach area is seamless, as it expands when the stern hatch lowers, merging with the indoor beach club furnished with an L-shaped sofa, armchair, cabinet, and bathroomThe sun deck boasts a hot tub, sunbathing areas, and a bar, alongside a cozy lounge area for entertainment.Crew accommodation includes four double cabins for the team of eight, plus an additional cabin for the captain adjacent to the wheelhouse. The ISA GT 45 delivers a cruising speed of 15 knots, with an impressive range of 3600 nautical miles at 12 knots.Palumbo Superyachts began to take root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 launched its first 54 meter superyacht, emblematically christened “Prima” (“the First”). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona), and also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Extra Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credit: ISA Yachts
September 18, 2024
In its 23rd edition, the World Yachts Trophies, presented by Yachts France magazine, honor the best yachts unveiled during the previous yachting season. This year, Azimut secured prestigious accolades in two categories.The Seadeck 7 was crowned the winner in the “Best Exterior Design” category. As the second model in the Seadeck Series, designed by Alberto Mancini, the Seadeck 7 introduces the innovative Fun Island concept, fostering a lifestyle that deepens the connection with the sea and nature. Notably, it also represents a significant step in Azimut's commitment to sustainability, being the first yacht globally to merge hybrid power with Volvo Penta's IPS propulsion system.Seadeck 7Azimut’s Fly 62 took home the award for “Best Layout.” As the latest addition to one of Azimut's most iconic series, the Fly 62 redefines the flybridge category with its groundbreaking Beach Cockpit design. The transom opens outward while the sofa lowers in a synchronized motion, removing physical barriers and creating an expansive sunbathing area that enhances the connection to the water.Fly 62These accolades underscore Azimut's continuous innovation in yacht design. Following significant recognition at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the brand is gearing up for a series of key national and international boat shows, starting with the Genoa Boat Show.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Azimut|Benetti Group
September 18, 2024
Arcadia Yachts will present the second unit of its acclaimed A96 at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, taking place from September 25 to 28. The A96 has been honored as the best motoryacht of the year by the Robb Report and continues to garner significant interest.This 30-meter vessel embodies a lifestyle that harmoniously blends discretion, a connection with nature, and conviviality, all while ensuring a comfortable cruising experience. Its design reflects the needs of the modern yacht owner, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts.The A96 boasts numerous advantages, including five spacious cabins and a unique slow cruising mode that enhances the experience of nature. Its seamless design allows for flexible living spaces that cater to various preferences, from social gatherings to moments of privacy. Notably, the main lounges feature adaptable side and aft walls that can convert these areas into airy, open spaces. The yacht also offers a well-appointed pantry and a separate crew area, combined with an optional second day toilet on the upper deck to uphold high service standards.Collaborating with designer Igor Lobanov, the yacht's interiors are characterized by soft, neutral tones contrasted with dark and metallic features. Every space is adorned with eco-friendly materials, creating an aesthetic that embraces organic curves and Art Deco allure.Ugo Pellegrino, CEO of Arcadia Yachts, shared, “The A96 has found a global audience among owners drawn to a relaxed, environmentally sustainable cruising style. It promotes a versatile on-board lifestyle that emphasizes well-being and leisurely living. We are proud to have tapped into industry trends and paved a new path for both our company and the market. A96 encapsulates the concept of ARCADIA—an ideal world on the water, embodying experiences that delight the senses and cater to the preferences of owners and their guests throughout the day.”Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts
September 17, 2024