Comet 12 Information, Review, Specs

The Comet 12 emerged from the drawing board of Andrea Vallicelli in 1983, entering production with Comar Yachts in 1985. Vallicelli's design philosophy emphasized "rigour... concerning ratios and proportions," aiming to create a yacht that was both aesthetically pleasing and dynamically efficient. His vision for the Comet 12 was a "cruising purosange" – a purebred cruiser – that simultaneously demonstrated strength in racing. This ethos aligned perfectly with Comar's established reputation for manufacturing high-quality sailing yachts that combined performance with comfort and a distinctive Italian classical style. During this era, Comar was also at the forefront of adopting advanced construction techniques, including balsa and Termanto cored sandwich construction and vacuum lamination, which enhanced the strength and lightness of their vessels.

The hull of the Comet 12 features a monohull fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration typical of performance-oriented designs of its time. The designer opted for a "slightly more spacy hull design," suggesting a focus on maximizing interior volume without compromising sailing dynamics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Comar Comet 12's design translates into a lively and capable sailing experience. With a reported sail area of 1033 square feet and a displacement of 16534 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio stands at approximately 25.46. This relatively high SA/D ratio indicates that the Comet 12 is a powerful boat, likely to perform well in lighter air conditions and offer exhilarating speeds when the wind picks up.

Further reflecting its performance intentions, the Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio is around 168.23. This low D/L figure categorizes the Comet 12 as a light to moderate displacement boat for its length, reinforcing its design as a performance cruiser rather than a heavy, traditional displacement vessel. The combination of these ratios suggests a boat that is responsive and agile, offering an engaging sailing experience. Its fin keel and spade rudder contribute to good maneuverability and precise steering, making it strong in racing and enjoyable to handle across various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details can vary between individual boats due to customization options offered by Comar, the Comet 12 generally provides a spacious and comfortable layout typical for a yacht of its size. Information from various listings indicates that the Comet 12 is equipped with six berths and commonly features a three-cabin, two-head configuration. This arrangement typically includes a forward V-berth, a comfortable main salon, a galley, and two aft cabins.

Comar Yachts are known for their "nicely fitted out below" decks and are generally "finished to a higher standard than the usual suspects". Owners could often specify interior choices, including various wood finishes, contributing to a sense of bespoke quality. The interior would feature robust construction, with attention to detail in joinery and materials. A well-appointed galley, often with a gas stove, and ample storage are standard for a cruising yacht of this caliber.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Comar yachts, including the Comet 12, generally praise the brand for its solid construction and a higher standard of finish compared to some competitors. The combination of elegant Italian styling and robust build quality has fostered a loyal following. While comprehensive owner reviews specifically for the Comet 12 can be somewhat limited online, the collective sentiment around Comar yachts suggests a positive ownership experience. Owners often appreciate the vessel's ability to deliver both comfortable cruising and engaging performance under sail, reflecting Andrea Vallicelli's original design brief.