Design and Construction
Vallicelli's hand shows in a hull conceived for dual-purpose service: the cruising/regatta intent sits behind a cabin-cruiser envelope that is both long and beamy for its length. The fiberglass hull and fixed-keel configuration are stated construction facts, and the 13,000 kg displacement against a 4.70-meter beam gives a substantial platform that still carries enough sail area to be lively on the wind. She is a product of Comar Yachts' later design era under Vallicelli's collaboration, and the 51S reflects that mature partnership rather than the earlier Finot-era Comet generation.
Rig and Handling
As a sloop rig with 148 square meters of sail, the Comet 51S is set up for powerful upwind and reaching performance under a single headsail and mainsail plan. The standard 2.90-meter draft fixed keel provides the lateral grip and stability expected of a 15-meter cruiser-racer, while the 12.70-meter waterline supports a long, steady footprint under way. The Yanmar 100 cv engine with S-drive anchor gives a straightforward auxiliary propulsion arrangement for harbor work and motoring in light conditions.
Accommodations
The standard accommodation version provides three cabins, two toilets, and berths for eight, a layout suited to owner cruising with guests. For charter use, Comar offered a four-cabin, two-toilet arrangement sleeping ten, confirming the hull's flexibility between private and commercial programs. The cabin-cruiser designation and the cruising/regatta brief together explain an interior planned for livable volume rather than minimalist racing weight.
The Verdict
The Comet 51S is a Vallicelli-designed, Comar-built fiberglass sloop that bridges cruising comfort and regatta capability. Her length, beam, and sail plan make her a roomy and capable 15-meter yacht with both owner and charter interior configurations available.
Pros
- Long 15.40 m hull with 4.70 m beam for generous volume
- 148 m² sail area on a sloop rig for strong performance
- Choice of 3-cabin owner or 4-cabin charter layouts
- Yanmar 100 cv S-drive auxiliary
Cons
- 2.90 m fixed-keel draft limits shallow-water access
- 13,000 kg displacement is substantial for light-air agility
