Comet 111 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 111 is characterized by a hull design that prioritized stability and volume without sacrificing the nimble handling typical of Finot’s racing pedigree. The design features a notably wide beam of 3.60 meters, which is carried well aft—a signature move by Groupe Finot that preceded the modern trend of wide-stern cruisers by decades. This hull shape provides significant form stability, allowing the boat to remain relatively flat even when pressed under a large genoa.

According to technical specifications from the Finot archives, the vessel was typically rigged as a masthead sloop. While its displacement-to-length ratio suggests a substantial cruising build, the 111 retains a respectable sail area-to-displacement ratio that ensures performance in light to moderate Mediterranean breezes. On the water, owners often report that the boat tracks well due to its deep fin keel and well-balanced spade rudder. However, like many IOR-influenced designs with pinched ends (though less pronounced here than on pure racers), it can exhibit some weather helm if over-canvassed in heavy gusts. The cockpit layout was designed for efficiency, often featuring a large wheel that provides high-leverage control, though some early units were produced with tiller steering to satisfy traditionalist sailors.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Comet 111 is where Comar truly distinguished itself from its contemporaries. Taking the "innovative" DNA of the Comet 11, the 111 refined the use of space to create a cabin that felt significantly larger than its 36-foot LOA would suggest. The most striking feature of many 111 layouts is the "open-plan" feel, often utilizing a galley positioned along the passageway or a forward-thinking saloon arrangement that maximizes the 3.6-meter beam.

In terms of siblings and variants, the Comet 111 was the direct evolution of the Comet 11, which was famous for its aft-cabin layout that was unusually accessible for the time. While the 111 shared the same hull mold, it often featured updated cabinetry and a more ergonomic deck mold. Another sibling of the era was the Comet 10.50, a slightly smaller but equally popular Finot design that utilized similar construction methods but offered a more traditional internal layout. The 111 was typically offered in a two-cabin or three-cabin configuration, with the two-cabin "Owner’s" version being particularly prized for its oversized head compartment and dedicated navigation station. Materials were typical of Comar’s high-quality period, featuring extensive teak joinery and molded fiberglass liners that provided a clean, durable finish.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Comet 111 should approach the vessel with an understanding of early-1980s fiberglass construction techniques. While Comar was a leader in vacuum lamination and cored construction, boats of this vintage require specific technical scrutiny.

• Osmosis: Like many Mediterranean builds from the late 70s and early 80s, the Comet 111 is susceptible to osmotic blistering if the gelcoat has not been maintained or if a modern epoxy barrier coat was never applied. A professional moisture meter reading of the hull below the waterline is essential.
• Deck Core Integrity: Comar utilized sandwich construction for the decks to save weight. Buyers should check for soft spots around high-stress areas like the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step, as water ingress into the balsa or foam core can lead to delamination.
• Chainplates and Rigging: The 111 carries a powerful rig. Inspect the stainless steel chainplates where they meet the bulkheads for signs of "bleeding" or rust streaks, which indicate water penetration and potential crevice corrosion.
• Engine Maintenance: Many units were originally fitted with Nanni or Volvo Penta diesel engines. Given the age, the heat exchanger and raw water pump should be inspected for scale buildup. Additionally, because the engine is often located under the companionway or in a dedicated midship compartment, check the mounting bolts and vibration dampeners.
• Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder on the 111 is subject to significant loads. Check for "play" or wobbling in the rudder stock, which usually indicates worn Delrin or bronze bearings that will require replacement to ensure precise steering.

Community & Resources

The Comet 111 benefits from a robust legacy in Europe, particularly within the Italian sailing community. While there is no longer a single global manufacturer-backed association, the Comet Owners Group (commonly found in Italian as Comet Yacht Amici) is the primary hub for technical exchange. These groups are instrumental for owners looking for original wiring diagrams or advice on retrofitting modern sail-drive seals and rigging components. The Finot-Conq technical office also remains an excellent resource, as they maintain archived sail plans and hull offsets for their historical Comar designs.

The Verdict

The Comet 111 remains one of the most successful examples of the "performance cruiser" crossover from the 1980s. It offers a level of interior volume that rivals many modern 40-footers, while its Groupe Finot hull ensures it remains a joy to sail rather than a sluggish "caravan."

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and beam for its age.
• High-quality Italian joinery and aesthetic appeal.
• Predictable and stiff sailing performance in a variety of conditions.
• Proven blue-water capability for Mediterranean or coastal cruising.

Cons:

• Dated IOR hull characteristics can lead to rolling in heavy following seas.
• High maintenance requirements for original teak and early gelcoats.
• Access to certain mechanical components can be tight depending on the cabin layout.