Comar Comet 111 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Comet 111 exhibits the characteristic "Finot touch," featuring a relatively light displacement for its era (approximately 6,000 kg) and a generous sail area. The hull design leans toward the IOR (International Offshore Rule) trends of the time, evidenced by its significant beam carried well aft, yet it avoids the "pinched" sterns that plagued earlier racing designs. This provides excellent initial stability and a powerful reaching capability. According to technical data from the Finot Design Office, the yacht was engineered to perform well in the light-to-moderate Mediterranean breezes while maintaining enough ballast in its fin keel to handle stiffer offshore conditions.

The spade rudder is highly responsive, giving the boat a nimble feel in close-quarters maneuvering. However, owners often note that the boat requires early reefing; as the wind climbs above 18 knots, the large mainsail and wide beam can lead to a significant weather helm if the sail plan is not balanced correctly. It is a boat that rewards active trimming and sophisticated sail handling, feeling more like a large dinghy than a heavy displacement cruiser.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Comet 111 was a pioneer in what is now considered the "modern" Mediterranean layout. While the previous Comet 11 had a very unusual arrangement, the 111 standardized the interior while retaining clever space-saving innovations. The most striking feature is the master cabin, which is often located in the aft section, utilizing the wide beam to provide a level of privacy and headroom rarely seen in 11-meter boats of the early 80s.

The materials used are typical of Comar’s high-production standards of the time, featuring extensive use of mahogany and teak veneers. A notable variation includes the engine placement; in many hulls, the engine was situated centrally, under the saloon table or just aft of the mast, to concentrate weight in the center of the boat and reduce pitching. This configuration allows for a massive galley and chart table area but makes engine maintenance more intrusive to the living space. Sibling models include the original Comet 11, which shares the same pedigree but features a shorter waterline, and the larger Comet 13, which expanded on the 111’s "fast cruiser" philosophy for long-distance voyaging.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

For a prospective buyer, the Comet 111 requires a focused survey in several technical areas:

• Hull-Deck Joint and Osmosis: Like many Mediterranean yachts of this vintage, the hull should be thoroughly checked for osmotic blistering. Additionally, the hull-to-deck joint, which is often bolted and bonded, can develop leaks over decades of thermal expansion, potentially leading to water ingress in the cabinetry.
• Engine Access and Seals: Because the engine is often mounted centrally, the long drive shaft requires careful inspection. The stuffing box or Volvo-style seals are harder to access than on standard aft-engine boats, and any vibration should be investigated for shaft misalignment.
• Rigging Loads: The Comet 111 uses a tall, relatively high-aspect rig. Check the chainplates and the reinforcement grid in the bilge. On heavily raced boats, the structural floors (the "spider" frame) can show signs of fatigue or detachment from the hull if the boat has been grounded or over-tensioned.
• Teak Deck Longevity: If the vessel is equipped with original teak side decks, these are likely nearing the end of their service life. Comar typically screwed these decks down, and if the plugs are worn, the core may be at risk of moisture penetration.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Comet 111 are served by a dedicated, though largely Italian-speaking, community. The "Comar Owners Association" (Associazione Armatori Comar) and various technical forums in Italy remain the primary source for original blueprints and spare part sourcing, particularly for the specific mast extrusions and cast iron keel shapes used during the Forlì production years.

The Verdict

The Comar Comet 111 remains one of the most stylish and capable performance cruisers of the early 1980s, offering a blend of Italian aesthetic flair and French naval architecture.

Pros:

• Performance: Exceptional speed and agility in light to moderate winds.
• Living Space: An interior volume and aft-cabin height that rivals much newer designs.
• Aesthetics: A timeless, low-profile coachroof that still looks modern on the water.

Cons:

• Maintenance Access: The central engine placement complicates routine mechanical work.
• Construction Complexity: The lightweight hull requires careful structural inspection for offshore use.
• Weather Helm: Can be physically demanding to steer if the sail plan is not reefed early in heavy air.