Comar Comet 51S Information, Review, Specs

While the standard Comet 51 was a formidable cruiser, the 51S variant typically featured a deeper keel, a taller carbon or high-modulus aluminum rig, and a lightened interior to optimize the displacement-to-length ratio. The hull is constructed using a sandwich of GRP and Termanto foam, vacuum-bagged to ensure structural rigidity while keeping weight centered. This model paved the way for the later Comet 52 RS, which shared much of the same DNA but moved toward a "Raised Saloon" configuration to accommodate more light in the living spaces.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Comet 51S is characterized by its "Vallicelli" pedigree—a hull form that minimizes wetted surface area in light winds but gains significant stability as the boat heels. The 51S often employs a 9/10 fractional rig with swept-back spreaders, allowing for a large non-overlapping headsail that makes tacking significantly easier for short-handed crews. According to technical assessments from Italian nautical publications like Vela e Motore, the yacht exhibits a remarkably stiff motion in a seaway, largely due to a lead bulb keel that accounts for nearly 35% of its total displacement.

Tracking is precise thanks to a deep, high-aspect spade rudder. Owners frequently report that the 51S "talks" to the helm, providing enough feedback to trim for 1% gains in speed without becoming fatiguing on long passages. In heavy air, the yacht remains balanced, though the large mainsail requires early reefing to maintain an upright posture and prevent the rudder from stalling during hard gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Comet 51S is a showcase of Italian woodworking, typically finished in polished cherry or light oak. The standard layout features a three-cabin, two-head configuration. The master suite is located forward, boasting a central island berth and an en-suite head with a separate shower stall. The twin aft cabins are generously sized for a performance-oriented hull, though the sloping cockpit floor does limit overhead volume in the rear of these berths.

A notable variation is the "Team" or "Race" layout, which sometimes replaces the luxury cabinetry in the aft sections with pipe cots or simplified storage to accommodate racing crews. In the main saloon, the 51S utilizes a linear galley or a classic L-shaped configuration to starboard, providing excellent bracing for the cook while underway. The build quality is high, with solid wood trim and high-grade marine upholstery, though some owners of the "Sport" version noted that the focus on weight saving led to slightly thinner floorboards and panels compared to the heavier Comet 51 cruising variant.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Comet 51S with a focus on its sophisticated structural grid and performance components.

• Rudder Bearings: The high-aspect rudder on the 51S puts significant stress on the bearings. Check for "play" in the helm or weeping around the rudder stock, which may indicate it is time for a replacement of the Jefa or similar bearing systems.
• Rod Rigging Fatigue: Many 51S models were equipped with solid rod rigging for performance. If the rigging is more than 10–12 years old, it requires a professional dye-penetrant inspection or full replacement, as rod rigging can fail without the visible fraying seen in wire.
• Teak Deck Longevity: Comar typically vacuum-bonded their teak decks. While this reduces the risk of leaks from screws, the 51S is of an age where the teak may be getting thin. Look for "proud" caulking and worn-through wood at the edges of the cockpit.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given its performance nature, some 51S yachts have been campaigned in offshore races. Inspect the area around the keel bolts for "smile" cracks or signs of compression in the structural grid, which could indicate a hard grounding.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the Comar Owners Association (Comaristi), an active group primarily based in Italy that maintains archives of sail plans and original wiring diagrams. For technical hull inquiries, the Studio Vallicelli archives remain a high-authority source for original design specifications and stability curves.

The Verdict

The Comar Comet 51S is a connoisseur’s yacht, offering a level of sophistication and speed that few mass-produced cruisers can match. It is best suited for the sailor who enjoys the "tweakability" of a racing rig but demands a refined interior for summer holidays.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and windward pointing ability.
• Timeless, sleek Italian styling that avoids the "high-volume" look of modern cruisers.
• High-quality interior joinery and a functional layout for offshore passages.

Cons:

• The deep draft (often exceeding 2.5 meters) can limit access to shallower cruising grounds and marinas.
• Requires an experienced hand to manage the powerful sail plan in high winds.
• Maintenance costs can be high due to performance-oriented hardware and rod rigging.