Yachting Monthly — November 2017

32 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com November 2017

NEW BOAT TEST The UK’s mosT comprehensive yachT TesTs

Sirena says that the lessons it
learned from the 46 were more
functional than aesthetic. A
lot of after-sales research was
conducted to try to eliminate
future problems. For instance,
there was a water drainage
issue on the deck of the 46, which was
sorted at the design stage of the 41.
The Azuree 41 uses a carbon-
reinforced spider frame, designed
to absorb keel and rig loads. The
admirable engineering is an example
of Sirena’s focus on quality, which is
now beginning to pay dividends – the
41 looks and feels like a higher-end
product than models from the mass-
production yards that compete with it
on price.
The comfort of the interior shows
the emphasis clearly lies with the
cruising brief of this cruiser-racer.
Styled by Studio Spadolini, it is bright
and smart, with a pale trim, lots of
natural light and good headroom
carried forward to the forward cabin
bulkhead. The standard finish is in
oak with options of walnut and teak.
Understated, it is an interior that lets
the quality of finish do the talking.
The outboard-facing navigation

station adjoining the after part of the

saloon berth, the longitudinal galley

and offset forward berth all help to

create a generous impression of space.

Examples of smart detailing include

the indirect lighting, headlining with

grabrails inset, and alloy hinges and

door handles.

The C-shaped saloon table has

seating for six, but with tanks and

batteries below the berth and galley

opposite, stowage space is limited.

Providing a light, smart and inviting

impression, the forward cabin has

an offset berth to port, which makes

better use of the available space than

with a conventional vee berth (which

is an option). It does, however, render

the berth unusable on one tack –

obviously a major downside. The

heads-cum-wetroom has a shallow

bowl sink, but a proper shower stand

with mixer tap.

The two aft cabins have generous

headroom (1.93m, 6ft 4in),

which again helps create a good

sense of space. There is enough

room between the cabins to

house a calorifier, muffler and

some electronics.

Chart table

This area is as compact as you can get

before losing a dedicated chart table.

The seat, which doubles as an aft

saloon seat, pivots round and locks in

place for use at the chart table.

Galley

The galley runs the length of the

saloon on the starboard side. A

longitudinal galley works well on

a yacht of this size as it creates a

connection with those sitting around

the saloon table and offers plenty of

light (including a large hull portlight),

worktop space and stowage. The

saloon table is conveniently located

opposite to brace against when heeled.

The test boat had generous fridge

volume and fiddled Corian worktops.

Maintenance

The companionway steps lift, but

only to 90º, to provide access to the

Yanmar sail drive. There are also side-

panels in both aft cabins that help

provide access to the aft end of the

engine, gearbox and filters. The area is

well lit and there is also space further

aft for an optional generator.

The engine room has solid mesh

sound and heat insulation as used by

larger yachts – a cut above the norm.

There is access to the Jefa steering

gear through the aft cabin bulkheads.

The wire linkage to the quadrants

is kept to a minimum; the latter

are linked by a bar, but each can be

operated independently.

‘The comfort of the interior

shows the emphasis clearly lies

with cruising ’

The interior is

bright with

lots of natural

light. Head

room is good

and carried

well forward

The longitudinal

galley works well

on a boat of this

size and gives a

great connection

to those seated

in the saloon