Comet 333 Information, Review, Specs

The Comet 333 emerged from Comar Yachts during a period of significant expansion and innovation for the builder. Designed by Andrea Vallicelli, the yacht's creation in the late 1980s coincided with Comar's move to a large, modern facility and the adoption of advanced production techniques, including balsa and Termanto cored sandwich construction and vacuum lamination, aimed at enhancing strength and lightness. Vallicelli, known for his "no market, no project" philosophy, focused on creating designs that were both avant-garde and highly relevant to the sailing community. The Comet 333, with its IOR 3/4 Ton association, was clearly conceived with racing prowess in mind, a goal underscored by its prominent role in the first Giro d’Italia a Vela. During its short production run from 1989 to 1990, the yacht was offered with at least two keel configurations, including a deeper draft of 6.4 feet and a shallower option measuring 4.92 feet, providing versatility for different sailing grounds and preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Comet 333, with a length overall of nearly 33.8 feet and a waterline length of 28.21 feet, was engineered for a lively sailing experience. Her design as an IOR 3/4 Ton yacht suggests a focus on upwind performance and competitive handling, characteristics reinforced by its selection for the Giro d’Italia a Vela. Interpreting her performance ratios reveals a boat with a balanced approach to speed and stability. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.14, she exhibits good power for her size, suggesting respectable performance in a range of wind conditions, particularly in light to moderate breezes. Her Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of around 224.06 places her in the lighter end of moderate displacement yachts, indicating a responsive hull form that is neither excessively heavy nor ultra-light, contributing to her agile handling. The Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of roughly 0.333 suggests a moderate level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent amount of wind without feeling tender, particularly with the deeper 6.4-foot fin keel. The spade rudder ensures precise control and responsiveness, a critical attribute for a yacht designed for competitive sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Comet 333 are not extensively documented, her builder, Comar Yachts, was known for combining elegant Italian style with practicality, often offering customisation options for interior layouts. Typically, a yacht of this size and era designed for both racing and cruising would feature a pragmatic yet comfortable arrangement. Available with a two-cabin layout, the Comet 333 likely offers a conventional interior with a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can serve as berths, a functional galley for meal preparation, and an enclosed head compartment. Based on Comar's general reputation, the interior would have utilized quality materials, blending wood trim with fiberglass surfaces to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Storage solutions for provisions and gear would be integrated throughout, aiming to maximize space efficiency below deck.