Diva 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Diva 39 marked a significant milestone for Fabola Boats, representing the inaugural model in their acclaimed Diva Yacht range. Introduced in 1982, and produced until 1989, she was designed to challenge conventional yacht design of the era. Fabola's ethos, as an early adopter of fiberglass production and a company committed to innovation, was clearly embodied in the Diva 39. The designers, Bernt Lindquist and Peter Ståhle, conceived a vessel with a long, narrow, and light-displacement hull, a departure from the broader, heavier designs prevalent at the time. This design choice was driven by a focus on genuine sailing performance and ease of handling, rather than adherence to restrictive rating rules.

The Diva 39 was revolutionary for its incorporation of modern features like hull windows, a sophisticated main purchase system, and a self-tacking jib, all aimed at enhancing the ease of use and appeal for short-handed sailing. Furthermore, Fabola offered the Diva 39 in various stages of completion, from semi-finished kits to fully completed boats, providing flexibility for owners. The design DNA of the Diva 39, with its emphasis on elegant lines and functional practicality, laid the groundwork for subsequent successful Diva models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Diva 39's design metrics clearly indicate her performance-oriented nature. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 20.79, she exhibits a healthy sail plan relative to her weight, suggesting strong performance, particularly in lighter air. This ratio is characteristic of a boat designed to be easily driven and responsive. Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.46 indicates a good degree of stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a breeze and carry her canvas effectively.

Further reinforcing her performance credentials is a Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 151.58. This low figure places the Diva 39 firmly in the lighter, more performance-oriented category of yachts, indicating an easily driven hull capable of achieving excellent speeds for her length. Owners frequently describe the Diva 39 as a "fast" boat, a testament to the success of her slender, light-displacement hull form. Her fractional sloop rig, combined with modern features like the self-tacking jib, contributes to her renowned ease of handling and balanced feel under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the interior layout are not fully enumerated in the specifications, the Diva 39's accommodations are frequently praised by owners. The interior is commonly finished in mahogany, imparting a classic, warm, and traditional Swedish boatbuilding aesthetic. Descriptions from owners highlight a "perfect layout interior," suggesting a highly functional and well-thought-out arrangement of space below decks.

Despite her performance aspirations, the Diva 39 was designed to offer a comfortable interior, prioritizing livability for cruising. The design philosophy extended to creating a clean and user-friendly interior, ensuring that comfort was not sacrificed for speed. While maximum headroom details are not widely specified, the overall impression is one of a well-utilized interior space that provides good value for its size.

Owner's Perspectives

The Diva 39 enjoys a strong reputation among its owners, who consistently commend its blend of performance and practicality. Many owners characterize the boat as "fast" and appreciate its "sandwich-hull" construction, implying a robust and durable build quality. The interior layout is often highlighted as being "perfect" and offering "really good value for money." Owners frequently express satisfaction with their purchase, with one noting they were "blessed in many ways with this boat." The enduring appeal of the Diva 39 is further underscored by its continued racing success even decades after its introduction, a testament to its timeless design and solid construction.