The search results provide a good amount of information for the Comet OD.
Key findings:
- Designer: C. Lowndes Johnson (Easton, Maryland).
- Design Philosophy: Designed as a one-design racer, sometimes called a miniature Star. C. Lowndes Johnson was a famous Star sailor. The design combines a 16-foot hard chine planing hull with a classic sloop rig. It was intended as a trailerable version of the Star.
- Production: First displayed in a 1932 Yachting magazine article. Early wood boats by Skaneateles Boats Inc. Whitecap Composites is the most recent builder, having become the exclusive builder for the International Comet Class.
- Variations: The Comet has evolved significantly over its history, despite being a one-design. (No specific MkI/MkII type variations found, but general evolution is noted).
- Performance/Handling: Lively. Known for competitive racing. Appeals to a wide range of sailors for both racing and fun. Good in light winds. Described as a "high-performance, fun sports boat" by Comar Yachts for their Comet 21 (which might be a different boat but suggests the Comet ethos). It's a double-handed racing sailboat. It is a hard chine planing hull.
- Accommodations/Layout: It's a 16-foot open dinghy, double-handed racer. No mention of traditional interior accommodations. Likely open cockpit with seating. One source mentions sails can be furled around the mast, aiding ease of handling ashore.
- Owner's Perspectives: Owners praise its solid construction and competitive nature (implied by Whitecap's focus on durability and consistency for racing). It's a popular class for collegiate sailing and one-design fleets. It's described as a good starter boat. Owners note its appeal to a wide range of people, young or not so young. Common maintenance issues are not explicitly stated, but the Whitecap article highlights their focus on "bulletproof hull" and durability to withstand racing rigors.
I have enough information to proceed without further searches.