Comet 31 S Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Comet 31 S is defined by its responsiveness and light-air agility. Sergio Lupoli, whose studio Sergio Lupoli Yacht Design is famous for championship-winning hulls, optimized the 31 S with a generous 9/10 fractional rig and a high-aspect-ratio keel. The boat typically features a lead-bulb keel which provides a low center of gravity, allowing it to carry its sail area effectively even as the breeze freshens.

The hull shape is characterized by a relatively narrow waterline that flares into a wide beam aft, providing significant form stability. According to Italian nautical publications like Giornale della Vela, the boat excels on a reach and displays remarkable tracking ability when close-hauled. The tiller steering (found on most units) offers direct feedback, though some later "Cruising" variants were equipped with a wheel. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the lighter side of the cruising spectrum, the 31 S accelerates quickly out of tacks and remains sensitive to trim, making it a favorite for "around-the-buoys" club racing. Owners often report that the boat feels "stiff" and safe, a result of the vacuum-infused lamination techniques Comar began perfecting during this production run.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Comet 31 S is a masterclass in Italian space management, utilizing a traditional two-cabin, one-head layout. Despite its "Sport" designation, the boat offers a warm and refined living space, typically finished in light cherry or oak veneers that counteract the "cave-like" feel often found in performance-oriented vessels of this size. The main salon features two longitudinal settees with a central folding table, and the galley, though compact, is functionally positioned near the companionway for ventilation.

The forward V-berth is adequate for two adults, while the aft cabin is surprisingly spacious, benefiting from the hull's broad stern sections. A notable variation in the lineup is the distinction between the "Sport" and "Cruise" trims. While they share the same Lupoli hull, the Sport version often features a deeper keel, a taller mast, and simplified interior cabinetry to shed weight. Conversely, the Cruise variant may include additional wood trim, a standard refrigerator, and a shallower draft. The Comet 31 S was part of a wider family of "S" models, including the Comet 38 S and 41 S, which shared the same design language and construction philosophy, offering owners a clear upward path within the brand.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Comet 31 S should focus their inspection on the specific high-load areas common to performance-oriented Italian builds of the mid-2000s:

• Rudder Bearings: Due to the high-aspect-ratio rudder, the bearings can develop play over time, especially if the boat has been campaigned heavily in regattas. Check for "knocking" or vibration in the tiller while under power.
• Sail Drive Seal: Most units are powered by Lombardini or Volvo Penta engines with sail drives. Ensure the rubber diaphragm seal is within its manufacturer-recommended service life (usually 7–10 years).
• Deck Hardware Bedding: The 31 S uses a significant amount of deck gear to facilitate its sail plan. Inspect the headliner inside the cabins for signs of water ingress around winches, tracks, and the mast base, as these can lead to core saturation if neglected.
• Keel Joint: Given the boat’s performance nature, a thorough inspection of the keel-to-hull joint is essential to ensure no structural "smile" or movement has occurred due to groundings.

Community & Resources

The Comet 31 S benefits from the strong presence of the Comar owner community, particularly in the Mediterranean. Technical support and historical documentation are often facilitated through the Comar Yachts official shipyard channels, which continue to operate under Massimo Guardigli. In Italy, the "Comet Owners Club" (often organized through Facebook and regional forums) is a vital resource for sourcing specific replacement parts, such as the unique plexiglass companionway hatches or Lupoli-designed rudder blades.

The Verdict

The Comet 31 S is an elegant, dual-purpose vessel that refuses to sacrifice Italian style for performance. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who enjoys technical trimming and competitive racing but requires a legitimate interior for family coastal cruising.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and agility.
• Elegant, modern interior that feels larger than 31 feet.
• High-quality vacuum-infused construction.
• Competitive in handicap racing (IRC/ORC).

Cons:

• Limited storage for long-term blue water cruising.
• Lombardini engines (found on some units) can have a more sparse international parts network than Yanmar.
• The cockpit can feel cramped with a full racing crew of five or more.