Comet 50 S Information, Review, Specs

The Comet 50 S began its production run in 2003, emerging from Comar Yachts, an Italian builder with a history tracing back to 1961. Comar, known for its pioneering use of advanced production techniques like balsa and Termanto cored sandwich construction and vacuum lamination, approached the Comet 50 S with an ethos of combining high performance with classic Italian style. The design for the Comet 50 S is attributed to Studio Vallicelli, a naval architect frequently collaborating with Comar, notably on models like the Comet 420 and the successful Comet 51S.

Vallicelli's design philosophy for the Comet 50 S centered on creating a vessel capable of excelling in competitive racing under IRC or ORC rules. This involved a focus on high stability and a hull form optimized for IRC performance. The "S" in Comet 50 S likely denotes its sport or sloop configuration, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature. The shipyard offered various interior and keel options, allowing for a degree of customization to meet individual owner preferences, a hallmark of Comar's approach. Variants such as the Comet 50 C and Comet 50 CL also exist, with some "Sport" versions explicitly stating carbon fiber construction for enhanced performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Comet 50 S is equipped with a fractional sloop rig and a deep 8.53-foot bulb keel, complemented by a spade rudder, all indicative of its performance cruiser intentions. With a length overall of just over 50 feet and a waterline length of 41.67 feet, it boasts impressive dimensions for a vessel designed for both speed and comfort.

Performance ratios derived from its specifications highlight its capabilities. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.11 suggests excellent performance in light to moderate winds, indicating a boat that is relatively powerful for its displacement. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 176.8 classifies the Comet 50 S as a relatively light-displacement yacht for its size, further pointing to a design focused on speed and agility. While its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 33.8% might appear moderate, the design incorporates a "large weight of ballast" to achieve a very high restoring torque, allowing the boat to carry its substantial sail area effectively and stand up to more wind. This combination of a powerful sail plan, relatively light displacement, and significant stability contributes to a lively and responsive sailing experience. The vessel's hull speed is calculated at 8.65 knots.

The Comet 50 S is described as optimized for IRC racing, with its hull type and stability specifically geared towards competitive sailing. Anecdotal evidence from races, such as a "Verve Camer Comet C 50s" securing a third-place finish in a 104-mile race, underscores its racing credentials. Comar's general philosophy of creating sail plans that allow for easy handling across a wide wind range, while maintaining optimum performance, likely extends to the 50 S, offering a balanced and engaging helm.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Comet 50 S are not explicitly provided in the core data, Comar Yachts is known for its distinctive Italian classical style, emphasizing elegance, high-quality finishes, and customizable layouts. Given the vessel's substantial beam of 15.42 feet, the interior of the Comet 50 S is spacious and designed for comfort on extended voyages.

Information on closely related models, such as the Vallicelli-designed Comet 51 S, suggests a versatile interior layout typically featuring three cabins and two heads. Owners could likely choose from various configurations to suit their cruising or racing needs [1,. Interiors are generally expected to feature well-appointed living spaces, including a functional galley, a comfortable salon for dining and relaxation, and private sleeping cabins. The presence of amenities like air conditioning, generators, and solar panels on specific Comet 50 CL models further indicates a focus on liveability and self-sufficiency for cruising. The general design principles seen in other large Comar models, like the Comet Maxi line, emphasize optimal interior layouts.

Owner's Perspectives

The Comar Comet 50 S generally receives positive feedback, evidenced by an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 65 reviews. Owners frequently appreciate the solid construction and the blend of performance and comfort that the Comet line, and specifically models like the 50 S, offer. Descriptions of individual boats often highlight meticulous maintenance of engine and deck equipment, suggesting a well-built vessel that encourages diligent care from its owners. The option for varied keel and interior configurations indicates Comar's responsiveness to individual owner desires, contributing to overall satisfaction. While specific common weaknesses are not widely reported for the 50 S, owners generally praise Comar's ability to deliver high-quality yachts with a distinctive Italian flair that excel both in spirited sailing and comfortable cruising.