Comet 13 Information, Review, Specs

Comar Yachts, originating as Sipla in 1961, evolved into a prominent Italian shipyard known for its high-quality sailing yachts. The 1980s marked a period of significant growth and innovation for Comar, with the company expanding its design repertoire to include collaborations with distinguished naval architects like Finot, Doug Peterson, and Andrea Vallicelli. During this time, Comar pioneered advanced production techniques, including balsa and Termanto cored sandwich construction and vacuum lamination, enhancing the strength and lightness of their vessels.

The Comet 13, alongside its siblings the Comet 11 and 14, emerged from this era of innovation, embodying Comar's philosophy of building "new performing and roomy boats with traditional waterlines" that were both fast and comfortable. Jean-Marie Finot, a visionary naval architect known for his innovative and scientific approach to boat design, collaborated with Jacques Fauroux, another respected nautical designer, to create the Comet 13. Their design aimed for a hull that was notably sleeker than many contemporaries, indicating a deliberate choice for speed within its class.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Comar Comet 13, with its substantial specifications, offers a balanced and capable sailing experience. With a displacement of 21,045 pounds and a waterline length of 37.7 feet, it falls into the heavier displacement category for its length (Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 393), suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and solid stability. Its sail area to displacement ratio of about 16.77 indicates moderate performance, capable of respectable speeds in various conditions without being overly demanding in light airs or overpowered in heavy winds.

The boat's ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 37.7% contributes to its inherent stability, allowing it to stand up well to a breeze. The hull design, characterized as being slimmer than 62% of comparable sailboats, reflects a designer's choice for a more speedy profile. Coupled with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the Comet 13 is designed for good directional stability and responsive handling, making it a reliable performer for both offshore passages and coastal cruising. Its theoretical hull speed is calculated at 8.23 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior schematics for the Comar Comet 13 are not widely available, the design principles of its era and builder provide significant insights into its accommodations. Comar Yachts was known for offering customizable interiors and layouts, even on its production models. Owners and reviewers frequently highlight the Comet 13's generous headroom, which contributes to an open and inviting living space below deck. The inclusion of large Plexiglas ports within a raised deckhouse design further enhances the interior, flooding the cabin with natural light and creating a bright, airy atmosphere. This thoughtful approach to interior volume and illumination aligns with the Comet 13's suitability for extended cruising, providing a practical and comfortable environment for a crew, as noted by some contemplating its use for Mediterranean, ARC, and Caribbean cruises with a family.