Comet 14 Information, Review, Specs

The Comet 14 was introduced at a pivotal time for Comar Yachts, a period when the builder, originally known as Sipla, had firmly established itself in the fiberglass yacht market. Groupe Finot, instrumental in the success of earlier Comar models like the iconic Comet 910, was the chosen designer for the Comet 14. During the 1980s, Comar was known for integrating distinguished naval architects like Finot, Doug Peterson, and Andrea Vallicelli to create "new performing and roomy boats with traditional waterlines". The shipyard's ethos during this time emphasized combining elegant design with robust performance, appealing to both racers and comfort-seeking cruisers. Comar also pioneered advanced production techniques, including balsa and Termanto cored sandwich construction and vacuum lamination, enhancing the strength and lightness of their vessels. The Comet 14, with only five units reportedly built, represents a less common, yet significant, offering from Comar during this period of innovation and expansion. While no specific variations like "MkI" or "tall rig" are commonly noted for the Comet 14, its design would have reflected Finot's emphasis on balanced performance and seaworthiness.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Comar Comet 14, with its generous dimensions and robust build, offers insights into its expected sailing characteristics through its design ratios. A sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.27 suggests a sailboat with good light-air performance, capable of moving efficiently even in lighter breezes. This indicates a design that aims for respectable speed without demanding heavy wind conditions. The ballast to displacement ratio, around 38.46%, points to a moderately stiff and stable vessel. While not at the extreme end of stability, it implies a boat capable of standing up to a good amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Finally, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 205.57 places the Comet 14 firmly in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser. This suggests a yacht that balances speed with load-carrying capacity and a more forgiving motion compared to lighter, more performance-oriented designs, yet retains a level of agility that prevents it from feeling sluggish. Anecdotal evidence suggests the sailing quality of Comet models from this era was generally considered good, though perhaps "a little average" in some evaluations, indicating a solid but not necessarily cutting-edge performance profile. The comfort ratio for the Comet 14 is noted as 31.42, which implies it is more comfortable than 42% of similar sailboat designs, placing its comfort level just below average.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior diagrams for the Comar Comet 14 are scarce, its nearly 46-foot length overall and 14.11-foot beam suggest a spacious and comfortable interior typical of offshore cruisers from its era. Sailboats of this size and vintage generally feature a traditional layout, often including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a well-appointed galley, and a dedicated navigation station. Given Comar's reputation for producing "roomy boats", it is reasonable to infer that the Comet 14 would have offered ample headroom and generous storage throughout the cabins. Materials would likely have included a blend of fiberglass surfaces with significant use of varnished wood trim and joinery, contributing to a classic, warm aesthetic. Good ventilation would have been achieved through a combination of deck hatches and opening portlights, essential for comfort in varied climates. The substantial water and fuel tank capacities often found in yachts of this size further support its design as a capable long-distance cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Based on available information and the limited production run of only five units, specific owner reviews and common problem discussions directly pertaining to the Comar Comet 14 are not widely accessible through grounded search. However, Comar Yachts in general, and the Comet series in particular, have fostered a strong and active owner community, with dedicated online resources and passionate enthusiasts worldwide. Owners of Comar yachts from this period frequently praise the shipyard's solid construction and the overall seaworthiness of their vessels. While individual models may have unique quirks, the underlying build quality and the balance between performance and comfort are often highlighted as strengths across the Comet range. The general perception of Comar yachts is that they are well-built, reliable, and capable for both coastal cruising and more ambitious passages.