Diva 45 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Diva 45 emerged from Fabola Boats, a pioneering Swedish yacht builder that began operations in 1958 and was an early adopter of fiberglass production for yachts. The model was first presented in 1987, with production continuing until 1990. Its designer, Bernt Lindquist, contributed to Fabola's reputation for innovation and commitment to exceptional sailing characteristics.

Fabola's design ethos, particularly within its Diva line, emphasized speed, ease of handling, and comfort. The company was known for pushing boundaries in yacht design and construction, as exemplified by the Diva 45's groundbreaking use of a Kevlar composite hull, a first for a series-built yacht. This advanced material choice highlighted Fabola's dedication to performance and robust construction. The Diva 45 was conceived as a slender yacht, featuring a "speedy hull design" that aimed for efficient performance. Towards the end of its production run, an updated version, the Diva 451, was introduced in 1990, featuring a new deck design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Diva 45 exhibits characteristics that define it as a potent performer on the water. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 22.4, she boasts a generous sail plan that contributes to excellent light-air performance. This high ratio suggests that the yacht can be easily propelled even in lighter winds, making for an enjoyable sailing experience across various conditions.

The yacht's ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/D) of around 45.7% indicates a high degree of stiffness and stability. This substantial ballast ratio means the Diva 45 is well-equipped to stand up to stronger winds, providing a secure and controlled ride even when the conditions become more challenging. Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 315.5 categorizes her as a moderate-to-heavy cruiser for her waterline length. While this might suggest a more traditional, heavier boat, the Diva's slender and "slightly more speedy hull design" means it is designed to be easily driven despite its displacement, a hallmark of the Fabola design philosophy. The fractional rig further enhances her handling capabilities. Overall, the Diva 45 is often described as a yacht that is slimmer than many of its counterparts, contributing to its efficient and speedy characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts and finish qualities for the Diva 45 are not extensively documented in public search results, Fabola Boats, through its Diva line, typically prioritizes a blend of functionality and comfort. The builder's general approach to interior design, as seen in other Diva models, often includes ergonomic features aimed at maximizing space and ease of use. For instance, Fabola was among the first shipyards to route all control lines aft to the cockpit, simplifying sail handling, which also influenced interior access and layout considerations. Given the yacht's overall length of just over 41 feet and a beam of 12.67 feet, the Diva 45 would typically offer a spacious interior for a boat of its era, usually featuring a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, a head, and potentially quarter berths or aft cabins. The exact headroom for the Diva 45 is not specified in the available data.