Comet 28 Race Information, Review, Specs

This model was part of a broader "New Era" for the Forlì-based shipyard under the leadership of Massimo Guardigli. The Comet 28 hull was versatile enough to be offered in three distinct versions: the Standard (Cruiser), the Sport, and the Race. The Race variant specifically targeted the ORC and IMS handicap racing circuits, featuring a deeper keel, a larger sail plan, and weight-saving measures throughout the interior and deck hardware.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 28 Race is defined by its responsiveness and its ability to punch above its weight class in light to moderate air. Unlike the Cruiser variant, which utilized a shallower draft and a more modest sail plan, the Race version features a high-performance 7/8 fractional rig and a deep T-bulb keel (typically drawing 1.90 meters). This configuration provides a significant ballast-to-displacement ratio, allowing the boat to remain stiff even when pressed under a large genoa or a powerful asymmetrical spinnaker.

According to technical reviews from the era, the boat tracks exceptionally well upwind due to its fine entry and deep foils. The tiller steering is often described as "fingertip sensitive," providing the helmsman with immediate feedback, a hallmark of Lupoli’s design philosophy. While the wide stern provides ample form stability and allows for exciting downwind planes in heavy air, it requires active trimming and weight positioning to minimize drag in light-air reaching conditions. The use of a high-aspect-ratio mainsail means that the backstay and traveler controls are critical to performance, making it an excellent platform for sailors who enjoy technical tuning.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its nomenclature, the Comet 28 Race does not entirely abandon the concept of "cruiser-racer" versatility. The interior is surprisingly voluminous for a 28-foot vessel, a feat achieved by the hull’s significant beam and relatively high freeboard. The layout typically features an open-plan V-berth in the bow, a central saloon with two longitudinal settees, and a surprisingly large aft double cabin tucked under the cockpit sole.

In the Race variant, the cabinetry is often simplified to save weight, using lightweight laminates or omitting some of the heavier wood trim found in the Standard version. The galley is compact, usually featuring a single-burner stove and a small sink, which is sufficient for weekend regattas or short-range coastal hops. One notable feature is the molded fiberglass head module, which provides a clean, low-maintenance space that also acts as a structural reinforcement for the hull. Owners of the Race version frequently cite the trade-off between "racing austerity" and "cruising utility" as being well-balanced, though the lack of a dedicated chart table in some configurations highlights its racing pedigree.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a used Comet 28 Race should focus on the stresses inherent in a performance-tuned vessel. High-signal technical areas for inspection include:

• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given the deep 1.90m draft and the high torque exerted by the lead bulb, the floors and stringers around the keel bolts must be inspected for stress fractures or signs of "oil-canning" in the laminate, especially if the boat has a history of hard groundings during racing.
• Deck Hardware Stress: The Race version often utilizes higher-load winches and blocks than the Standard version. Check for crazing or spiderweb cracks in the gelcoat around the primary winches and the mainsheet traveler, which may indicate a lack of sufficient backing plates or extreme tensioning.
• Rudder Bearings: The large, high-aspect rudder can develop play in the bearings over time. Ensure the tiller movement is smooth; any "clunking" or vibration while underway may necessitate a replacement of the self-aligning bearings.
• Rigging Fatigue: As these boats were intended for aggressive sail trimming, the standing rigging—especially at the tangs and spreaders—should be professionally surveyed if it is more than ten years old.

Community & Resources

The Comet 28 Race benefits from the broader Comar community, which remains active across Europe, particularly in Italy. The Comar Yachts official site provides historical context for their legacy models. Technical support is often found through the Comar Owners associations in the Mediterranean, where these boats still frequently compete in regional ORC championships.

The Verdict

The Comet 28 Race is a specialized instrument that offers a high "fun-to-foot" ratio, blending Italian style with genuine racing capabilities. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who prioritizes performance and technical handling but still requires a dry, comfortable place to sleep after a day on the racecourse.

Pros:

• Exceptional Agility: High-aspect rig and deep keel provide superior windward performance.
• Modern Aesthetics: Sergio Lupoli’s lines remain contemporary and sleek.
• Unexpected Volume: Aft cabin and beam width make it viable for weekend family cruising.

Cons:

• Deep Draft: The 1.90m keel limits access to some shallow-water anchorages and marinas.
• Weight Sensitivity: Performance drops off quickly if overloaded with cruising gear or heavy after-market equipment.
• Racing Wear: Many second-hand units have been campaigned hard, requiring careful inspection of the rig and hull-keel attachment.