Every major operation requires planning and rigor. Every detail is critical, especially when it comes to a journey that starts from Haydarpaşa Port, the heart of Istanbul, to Düsseldorf via the Rhine River, one of the largest inland waterways in Europe. Ahmet Aydınlık, International Sales Operations Manager at Sirena Marine, who took on the task of bringing the Sirena 78 and Sirena 48 to the fair, describes the transfer, which is an adventure every year.
After a final inspection in Istanbul, our boats were ready to embark on a long sea and river journey. We knew from the outset that the biggest test in getting the Sirena 78 and Sirena 48 to the display location on time would be dealing with the Rhine’s shifting currents and heavy traffic. When we arrived in Rotterdam, we were greeted by an intense commercial activity. Rotterdam, one of the largest ports in Europe, is a huge logistics hub handling over four hundred million tons of cargo annually. Here we carefully tied our boats to themarina and completed the necessary fuel, safety and navigation checks. Then we started our journey along the Rhine River to Düsseldorf.
Unlike at sea, river navigation requires constant vigilance. Currents, water levels and commercial activity in the area are important factors to consider when determining the route. Originating in the Swiss Alps and reaching the North Sea via Germany, France and the Netherlands, the river carries an average of three hundred million tons of cargo annually and is almost like the artery of the European economy.
The current speed of the river varies from region to region. The current, which averages between 2-5 km/h, can become much stronger in some narrow areas and curved sections. In addition, water levels vary depending on weather conditions and the amount of precipitation. For example, while the water level drops in summer, it rises with rainfall in winter and spring, and can even cause floods in some areas. This variability is an important factor, especially for those of us cruising in large motor yachts. One of the biggest things to watch out for along the Rhine is that due to fluctuating water levels, the water can become shallow in certain areas and undercurrents can become unpredictable. But Sirena’s engineering prowess allowed us to easily overcome these challenges.
Ren Nehri işlekliğinin yanı sıra çevresindeki şehirler ve kasabalarla hareketli bir yaşam alanı. Along the river, huge freighters and barges carry commercial goods, while passenger boats and private yachts glide through the water. On the banks, cyclists, families on walks and locals sitting in cafés live in harmony with the Rhine’s current.
The elegant silhouettes of the Sirena 78 and Sirena 48 drew attention at every point we passed. People in the harbors and marinas, and even on the banks of the river, admired the two motor yachts. The greetings from small boats, the curious looks and the photo-takers showed once again how impressive Sirena’s design is. In some areas, yacht owners passing by could not resist approaching us and asking us about the details of the boat. This interest was a reflection of Sirena’s design ingenuity and brand prestige. Even as they struggled against the currents of the river, the graceful movements and balance of the boats on the water mesmerized the audience. Our journey became not only a delivery process, but also a live showcase of how Sirena performs in real conditions.
On the last stage, we made the final maneuvers in the widening waters of the Rhine River and reached Düsseldorf. We were welcomed by the giant crane Big Willi at the port of the city that hosts one of the biggest yacht fairs in Europe. We successfully completed the operation by securely mooring our boats. Now it was time to bring these special motor yachts together with boat enthusiasts. Thanks to the harmony of our boats and the booth, it took all our tiredness to host hundreds of boat enthusiasts and hear their appreciation.
