Diva 35-2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Fabola Boats, a pioneering Swedish yacht builder since 1958, has long been at the forefront of modern yacht construction, being an early adopter of fiberglass and renowned for its non-sinkable designs. The company's Diva line, first introduced with the revolutionary Diva 39 in 1982, has consistently pushed boundaries in design and performance. The Diva 35-2, which commenced production in 2007, continues this tradition.

Designer Bernt Lindquist, a key figure in shaping the distinctive characteristics of Diva yachts, has imbued the 35-2 with the signature "Diva concept" of round, soft shapes extended longitudinally. 1, 3, Builder Article This design philosophy aims to produce yachts that are easily driven, requiring less power to achieve impressive speed and performance. The development of the Diva 35-2 specifically followed the path of its predecessors, focusing on delivering a yacht optimized for its size in terms of hull shape, cockpit, and interior, ensuring it performs well in races while remaining suitable for comfortable cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Diva 35-2, with its modern fractional sloop rig and spade rudder, is built for a responsive and engaging sailing experience. Its design ratios offer insight into its balanced performance characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): At approximately 15.11, the Diva 35-2 presents a moderate sail area relative to its displacement. This suggests a well-balanced sail plan that provides good power in a range of conditions without being overly sensitive in heavy air, indicating a capable cruiser-racer rather than an extreme light-wind specialist.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 35.48%, the Diva 35-2 demonstrates a solid level of stability. This means the boat is designed to stand up to a good breeze, offering a secure and comfortable motion, which is highly desirable for both performance sailing and offshore cruising.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): A D/L ratio of approximately 175.48 places the Diva 35-2 in the light-to-moderate displacement category for its length. This low ratio contributes to its reputation for speed and performance, allowing it to accelerate readily and maintain good speeds in varying conditions, underpinning its "cruiser winning races" ethos.

Overall, the Diva 35-2 is consistently described as a "cruiser/racer" that offers "speed and performance" alongside "ease of handling." Its design ensures that the yacht is both exhilarating to sail and forgiving for its owners, characteristics that have defined the Diva brand.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for every Diva 35-2 may vary, the overarching design philosophy of Fabola Yachts emphasizes optimization of the interior for comfort and functionality. The builder article highlights that Diva yachts are designed with their size in mind regarding hull shape, cockpit, and interior, and Fabola was among the first shipyards to incorporate ergonomic features like all control lines running aft to the cockpit, simplifying sail handling. This commitment to thoughtful design extends to the living spaces, aiming for a maximized sense of space and comfort. The hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, offering a robust and durable structure for the accommodations below.