Comet 12 Information, Review, Specs

Built during a period when Comar was refining its advanced production techniques, the Comet 12 benefited from the yard's adoption of sandwich construction in the topsides and vacuum lamination, which helped maintain a favorable strength-to-weight ratio. The hull shares a distinct DNA with its siblings of the era, most notably the smaller Comet 11 and the larger Comet 13. While the Comet 11 (designed by Groupe Finot) leaned more toward innovative interior solutions, the Comet 12 leaned toward the sophisticated, clean lines that became a hallmark of the Vallicelli studio.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 12 is widely regarded by the European sailing press as a stiff, weatherly boat that excels in upwind performance. With a moderately deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, the boat tracks with precision, a characteristic often attributed to Vallicelli’s experience in the 12-meter and racing circuits. The hull features the slightly pinched ends typical of the era but avoids the extreme "bustles" of earlier IOR designs, resulting in more predictable handling when reaching under a large genoa or spinnaker.

In moderate air, the Comet 12 feels lively and responsive. According to historical reviews in Italian publications such as Giornale della Vela, the boat’s displacement-to-length ratio indicates a yacht that is robust enough for blue-water passages but light enough to avoid "sticky" performance in light Mediterranean breezes. Owners often report that the boat feels "on rails" once the sails are trimmed correctly, though the large overlapping headsails—common for its time—require a coordinated crew for frequent tacking.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Comet 12 showcases the classic Italian flair for joinery and spatial arrangement. The standard layout typically features three cabins: a spacious owner’s V-berth forward with its own en-suite head, and two symmetrical double cabins aft. A second head is usually located near the companionway, serving both as a day head and as the primary facility for the aft cabins.

The salon is characterized by a large U-shaped settee to port and a linear galley or second settee to starboard, providing ample seating for a full crew. Comar’s use of high-quality mahogany or teak veneers, often finished in a warm satin, creates an atmosphere of traditional luxury. Headroom is generous, exceeding 1.90 meters in the main salon, which was a competitive selling point against French and German contemporaries of the mid-80s. While most hulls were built to the standard three-cabin specification, some semi-custom variations exist, including a "luxury" two-cabin version that prioritized a massive aft stateroom and increased storage for long-range cruising.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Comet 12 remains a staple of the Mediterranean brokerage market and is frequently featured in retrospective "Best of the 80s" articles by European maritime journalists. Its design influence is noted in the history of the Vallicelli Design studio, where it is cited as a key example of the firm’s ability to translate racing speed into a production cruising platform. While it may not have the singular "cult" status of the Comet 910, it is respected as the "grown-up" Comet that proved Comar could compete in the 40-foot luxury segment.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Comet 12 today requires a discerning eye for 1980s construction nuances.

• Osmosis: Like many Mediterranean boats of this vintage, hulls should be checked for osmotic blistering, particularly if they have spent their entire lives in warm, high-salinity waters.
• Teak Deck Longevity: Many Comet 12s were fitted with thick teak side decks. By now, these are often reaching the end of their service life. Prospective buyers should check for thinning wood, failing caulking, and potential water ingress into the deck core.
• Chainplates and Rigging: The original rod or wire rigging should be scrutinized. Specifically, the stainless steel chainplates where they pass through the deck can be prone to crevice corrosion if the sealant has failed over time.
• Engine Maintenance: Many units were originally powered by Volvo Penta or Bukh engines. Parts for older Bukh units can be expensive and difficult to source, so the engine’s service history is paramount.
• Electrical Systems: Italian yachts of this era sometimes feature complex wiring looms that may have been modified by previous owners. A thorough survey of the DC panel and battery management system is advised to ensure safety and reliability.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Comet 12 often find support through the Comet Owners Association (specifically the Italian Associazione Armatori Comet), which maintains archives of technical manuals and hosting annual rallies. Technical discussions regarding Comar’s construction methods can also be found in European cruising forums where the brand's legacy is most prominent.

The Verdict

The Comet 12 is an elegant, high-performance cruiser that offers a level of "soul" and sailing engagement often missing from modern, high-volume production boats. It remains an excellent choice for a sailor who prioritizes windward ability and classic aesthetics over modern "condo-maran" interior volume.

Pros:

• Exceptional upwind performance and balanced handling.
• High-quality Italian interior joinery and classic styling.
• Strong, reputable construction from a premier shipyard.
• Spacious three-cabin layout suitable for families or charter.

Cons:

• Large overlapping headsails can be physically demanding for short-handed crews.
• Potential for high-cost maintenance on aging teak decks.
• Systems and wiring may require modernization to meet current cruising standards.