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
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
August 7, 2025
Riva has launched its new 54-meter flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, at its Superyacht Division facility in Ancona. The all-aluminum vessel represents the brand's expansion into the megayacht segment while maintaining Riva's signature styling.Developed through collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, the 54METRI features a gross tonnage below 500 GT. The exterior design combines Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black finishes with polished steel details and the brand's characteristic aquamarine waterline.Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi stated: "Now every yachting enthusiast and Riva fan has a new boat to dream about. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Riva 54METRI showcases the unstoppable momentum of the world's most famous shipyard in its pursuit of innovation."The four-deck layout accommodates 10 guests across four cabins and a main-deck master suite, with crew quarters for 11 personnel. Notable features include a 5-meter stern pool with fold-out terraces, concealed bow tender storage, and extensive use of premium materials including Sahara Noir and Bianco Rhino marble.Technical specifications include four electric stabilizer fins, dual radar systems, 5G and Starlink connectivity, and a bridge outfitted with multiple touchscreen displays. The design emphasizes acoustic insulation and crew circulation routes to maintain guest privacy.Sea Pros Yachts founder Alain Maaraoui facilitated the build for the Kuwait-based owner. The launch marks Riva's continued expansion of its superyacht offerings while preserving design elements from its smaller production models. The 54METRI will now undergo final outfitting before delivery.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
August 7, 2025
The 45.6-meter converted trawler Scintilla Maris has concluded a rigorous 10-month shakedown cruise covering 11,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. Owner Erik Vonk and his wife departed the Netherlands in April 2024, undertaking an improvised route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before returning to the shipyard.The expedition tested the Vripack-designed yacht's performance in challenging conditions, including 6-meter swells. Vonk reported the vessel maintained operational comfort throughout, particularly noting the effectiveness of the heat recovery system during Arctic transits where exterior temperatures plummeted. The open bridge configuration allowed guests to participate in navigation during the 700-nautical-mile crossing to Newfoundland.The cruise included extended stops at remote locations, with the yacht often being the only visiting vessel in areas like Scotland's Rum Island and the Faroe Islands. Local communities frequently greeted the crew, with Vonk recalling particularly hospitable receptions in Icelandic fishing villages where stays were repeatedly extended.Following successful completion of the transatlantic voyage, Scintilla Maris returned to the Netherlands to prepare for its first commercial charter season in Iceland. The yacht's conversion from industrial trawler to expedition vessel took 15 years, with Vonk emphasizing its dual capability for remote exploration and luxury accommodation."I spent 15 years perfecting a boat that takes you places where few other people go," Vonk stated. "Scintilla Maris combines battleship strength with the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel." The shakedown cruise confirmed the vessel's ability to access isolated destinations while maintaining premium onboard facilities, including a country-style galley and skylit interior spaces.Credits: Vripack
August 7, 2025
Azimut has launched the first unit of the Grande 30M at its Viareggio shipyard. The new model is part of the shipyard’s Grande Series and will make its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.The yacht’s exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, while the interiors have been created by the architecture studio m2atelier. This is the first collaboration between the two design teams. According to Azimut, the interior layout follows a design approach referred to as "Barefoot Luxury", developed by m2atelier for this model.The Grande 30M is also the first yacht to be fitted with the new mtu propulsion system from Rolls-Royce. It includes mtu engines and POD drives, a combination that reportedly provides 15% greater efficiency compared to conventional shaft line systems, with reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 6, 2025
Apreamare has announced the results of the first eight months of activity for its newly launched division, Apreamare Refit. The unit was established to provide restoration and modernization services for the brand’s traditional Sorrentine Gozzo boats.Located in a 3,000-square-meter facility next to the shipyard in Torre Annunziata, the refit division is dedicated exclusively to Apreamare vessels. The yard offers a range of services including the complete replacement of teak decks and swim platforms, hull repainting, upgrades to onboard systems, and interior renovations.According to the company, several refit projects have already been completed since the division’s launch, with additional contracts in negotiation or scheduled for the near future.Apreamare, which reports having over 2,000 boats in operation globally, aims to extend the service life of its vessels through this initiative while maintaining their original characteristics. Cataldo Aprea, President of Apreamare, stated: “The beauty of every Apreamare refit lies in our ability to preserve the original soul of our boats while addressing the evolving desires of those who live them. It's a work of listening, memory, and expert hands: a return to the most authentic essence of our naval art.”Founded in 1849, Apreamare remains one of Italy’s longstanding yachting brands and continues to focus on the traditional design and craftsmanship associated with the Sorrentine gozzo.Credits: Apreamare
August 6, 2025