The Sirius 40 DS is a bluewater cruising sailboat designed for long voyages and extended cruising, combining comfort, safety, and outstanding sailing performance. Launched in 2014 by the German shipyard Sirius Werft, it stands out for its deck saloon concept, offering exceptional brightness and optimized interior space. With a hull length of 11.99 meters and a maximum beam of 4.08 meters, it provides an interior volume comparable to that of 15-meter yachts while remaining easy to handle and suitable for short-handed sailing. CE Category A (Ocean) certified, it is built to tackle all the seas of the world.
Key Features
- Innovative concept: Raised deck saloon, offering 360° visibility and unmatched comfort.
- Semi-custom construction: Each unit is adaptable to the specific needs of its owner.
- Versatility: Available in multiple interior layouts and keel configurations (fixed keel, twin keel, lifting keel).
- Build quality: FRP hull with Corecell foam sandwich, high-end finishes.
- Performance: Excellent sea behavior, even in rough conditions, and remarkable upwind capability for a twin keel.
- Price: Starting from €485,000 (2026), positioned in the high-end segment of cruising sailboats.
History of the Sirius 40 DS
The Sirius 40 DS is the result of five years of intensive development, led by Sirius Werft shipyard, based in Plön, Germany, and naval architect Marc-Oliver von Ahlen. The project benefited from a design competition involving several naval architects and hundreds of exchanges with customers and future owners. The shipyard, with over 40 years of experience, launched the Sirius 40 DS in 2014, five years after the success of the Sirius 35 DS, which had made an impression with its “inside-out” approach.
The construction is based on a hand-laid FRP (fiberglass-reinforced polyester) hull with a vacuum-bonded Corecell foam sandwich, ensuring optimal strength and thermal insulation. The hull-deck joint is laminated and reinforced with bonded bulkheads, providing exceptional structural rigidity. The Sirius 40 DS is produced in limited series, with each unit being semi-customizable according to the customer’s wishes.
Upon its release, the Sirius 40 DS positioned itself against competitors such as the Hallberg-Rassy 412, the Najad 401 (which replaced the Najad 395CC), and the Dufour 410, but quickly distinguished itself with its interior volume, finish, and deck saloon concept, particularly popular in Northern Europe and among sailors looking for a “second home” boat. The shipyard has produced several dozen units, with strong demand for its twin keel and lifting keel versions, suitable for tidal areas and shallow anchorages.
The Sirius 40 DS has been praised by the specialized press for its innovation and build quality, receiving accolades for its “almost perfect” character and “unmatched level of detail.”
Interior Layouts
The Sirius 40 DS offers a generous and bright interior space, thanks to its large windows and raised saloon. The standard layout includes two or three double cabins, one or two heads, a functional galley, and an ergonomic navigation station. The headroom reaches 1.95 meters, and the owner’s cabin, located under the saloon, features a central island bed and a private head, a rare luxury on a sailboat of this size.
The saloon, the heart of the boat, is equipped with a U-shaped sofa convertible into an additional berth, an extendable table, and an inside steering station, allowing for sheltered navigation. The galley, often located to starboard, features a generous countertop, a 130-liter refrigerator, a double sink, and ample storage. The workshop, accessible from the saloon, is another unique feature of the Sirius, providing a dedicated space for maintenance and technical equipment storage.
Several layouts are available, ranging from the “2 cabins + workshop” version to the “3 cabins + additional head” version, including configurations with an office space or a relaxation area at the stern. The solid wood finishes, high-end fabrics, and details such as optional armored polycarbonate windows contribute to the warm and luxurious atmosphere of the boat.
Sailing Qualities
The Sirius 40 DS is designed for bluewater cruising, with particular attention to safety, comfort, and performance. Its hull, optimized for different keel configurations, offers good stability and reassuring sea behavior. Sea trials have shown the ability to sail close to the wind (up to 38° for the twin keel version), easy handling under sail, and remarkable course-keeping, even in rough seas.
The standard rig includes a double-spreader mast, a self-tacking jib, and a battened mainsail, with all controls led to the cockpit. The twin keel version, in particular, has surprised testers with its upwind capability, rivaling classic keelboats. The deep and secure cockpit is equipped with ergonomic benches, a complete dashboard, and easy access to the stern platform, which can accommodate a dinghy or serve as a swimming platform.
Owners and the press highlight its ease of handling, quietness while sailing, and stable behavior in waves, even when loaded. The Sirius 40 DS is often described as a boat “that inspires confidence,” ideal for short-handed crews or families.
Owners’ Reviews
Owner feedback is unanimously positive. Many appreciate the interior space, the quality of the finishes, and the boat’s versatility, capable of sailing in the Baltic, Mediterranean, or Atlantic. Forums and testimonials emphasize comfort at the dock and at sea, the robustness of the construction, and the efficiency of the shipyard’s after-sales service.
One owner summarizes: “It’s a boat that thinks of everything. Whether for a weekend in the bay or an Atlantic crossing, you feel safe and comfortable.” Others highlight the resale value, maintained by the rarity and reputation of the model. Some, however, regret the high price, justified in their view by the quality and customization offered.
Sirius 40 DS Technical Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 12.90 m (LOA) / 11.99 m (hull) / 11.17 m (waterline) |
| Beam | 4.08 m |
| Draft | 2.30 m (standard) / 2.00 m or 1.75 m (short keel) / 1.45 m (twin keel) / 0.95-2.55 m (lifting keel) |
| Displacement | 11 tons (light) |
| Ballast | 3.45 tons (cast iron or lead optional) |
| Sail Area | Mainsail: 49 m² / Self-tacking jib: 32.3 m² / Genoa: 63.6 m² |
| Engine | Volvo D2-50 (51 hp) / Saildrive with folding propeller |
| Tanks | Water: 400 L / Fuel: 200 L / Waste: 50+100 L |
| Certification | CE Category A (Ocean) |
| Layouts | 2 to 3 cabins / 1 to 2 heads / Convertible saloon |
| Headroom | 1.95 m |
| Architect | Marc-Oliver von Ahlen |
| Shipyard | Sirius Werft (Germany) |
| Price (2026) | From €485,000 (excluding options) |
Conclusion
The Sirius 40 DS is an exceptional sailboat, combining innovation, build quality, and comfort. Its deck saloon concept, spacious interior layouts, and sailing performance make it a top choice for demanding sailors, ready to invest in a semi-custom boat built to last. Whether for coastal cruising or offshore sailing, it appeals with its balance of luxury, safety, and versatility.
If you are considering a visit or a test sail, the shipyard regularly organizes open days and sea trials, offering the opportunity to discover for yourself what makes the Sirius 40 DS a “masterpiece” of German boatbuilding.