German manufacturer crafts rugged sailboats in small packages – and now they’re coming to the States!
Tucked away in a corner of the 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show, far from the crowds waiting to board the newest luxury catamarans, sat the compact Sirius 35 DS. A German builder, Sirius, has been crafting boutique sub-40-foot deck saloon cruisers since 1971 – but 2025 was the first year they’ve exhibited at an American show. I noticed others were clearly interested; especially those more inclined toward foulies and weathered ball caps over breezier, more casual boat show attire.
The raised deck saloon is the centerpiece of the 35 DS. Accessible from the cockpit via a full-sized door, the cozy lounge space features 360-degree views, a luxe nav station, and a utilitarian galley. Farther forward and one step down is configurable cabin space. The show version had the standard two double berths, one forward and one to port and under the saloon, with a shared head. The joinery, attention to detail, and use of creative storage pockets throughout the cabin is reminiscent of 1970s-era Taiwanese boatbuilders.
Despite the tall deck saloon, sightlines are still good and my 5-foot-5 self could see the bow without going on tiptoe, especially with assistance from the canting helm. The cockpit feels very secure, although still roomy enough to move around, and the transom pushpit seats are a clever touch for added space. A full-length trawler-style pulpit in lieu of lifelines and standard built-in jackline pad-eyes speak to the builder’s bluewater leanings, despite the 35-footer’s small size. The owner of the show model told me he’d just delivered this boat across the Atlantic himself.
Options abound, and owners can choose to order new models that come preinstalled with lithium iron phosphate batteries, a Webasto diesel heater, an additional cutter stay, a solar arch, and even integrated dinghy davits. The most important choice is the keel: Sirius offers two different fin keels, as well as two different styles of twin keels, which allow the boat to settle onto a low tide while remaining fully upright and supported.
Starting at $495,000, VAT excluded. | sirius-yachts.com