Diva 35 Information, Review, Specs

With a production run spanning a decade, from 1983 until 1993, the Diva 35 earned a reputation as a dynamic performer, particularly noted for its agility and speed. Fabola Boats, a pioneer in fiberglass yacht production, infused the Diva 35 with their signature commitment to quality and innovative design, resulting in a yacht that embodied the core principles of the successful Diva range.

History and Design

The Diva 35's production commenced in 1983 and continued through 1993, at which point it was succeeded by the Diva 355. Designed by Bernt Lindquist, the vessel reflects the designer's philosophy, shared with Fabola Boats, of creating easily driven yachts characterized by round, soft shapes extended longitudinally. This design approach aimed to produce boats that did not demand excessive power to perform, prioritizing both exhilaration and forgiveness for their owners.

During the Diva 35's era, Fabola Boats upheld its manufacturing ethos of innovation and robust construction. The company was an early adopter of fiberglass for yacht production and emphasized non-sinkable designs. The broader Diva range, which debuted shortly before the 35, introduced modern features such as hull windows, efficient main purchase systems, and self-tacking jibs, significantly enhancing ease of handling. Fabola was also noted for pioneering the routing of all control lines aft to the cockpit, simplifying sail management for single-handed or short-handed crews. While specific variations like MkI or MkII for the Diva 35 are not widely documented, the consistent design philosophy of Fabola ensured a high standard of construction throughout its production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Diva 35 is a light-displacement vessel that truly lives up to its cruising-racing designation. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 158, she sits firmly in the lighter, more performance-oriented category for her size, suggesting a boat that accelerates quickly and exhibits nimble handling. Her generous sail area to displacement ratio of around 21.6 indicates excellent performance in lighter winds, allowing her to move efficiently even when the breeze is subtle. This generous sail plan is a key contributor to her spirited character.

Further enhancing her sailing characteristics is a ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 45%. This high percentage of ballast relative to her overall weight contributes significantly to her stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a greater amount of wind without excessive heeling. Owners describe the Diva 35 as a fast and well-balanced yacht, providing a superior joy of sailing with an ergonomic cockpit that is a dream to use. She boasts a "relative speed performance" of 95, indicating that she is faster than 95% of similar sailboat designs. This blend of inherent speed, stability, and responsive handling makes the Diva 35 a rewarding boat to sail in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Diva 35 are less extensively documented, the vessel is known for an interior optimized for its size, featuring a galley and a toilet facility. As part of the Fabola Yachts family, the Diva 35 would have benefited from the builder's commitment to thoughtful ergonomic design. Diva yachts of this era were known for well-considered interiors, balancing comfort with functionality, often making good use of natural wood trim and robust fiberglass components to create a warm and durable living space. While exact berth configurations or storage solutions are not readily available, the design ethos suggests practical arrangements suitable for coastal cruising and weekend trips, providing essential amenities within her 35-foot length.