Comet 33 Information, Review, Specs

Built using a sandwich construction of fiberglass with a Termanto core and vacuum-bagged lamination, the Comet 33 was engineered for a high strength-to-weight ratio. This model shared its DNA with a highly successful family of sibling yachts, including the larger Comet 38S, the widely acclaimed Comet 41S, and the flagship 51S. While the Comet 33 is distinct from the 1980s-era Comet 333 (designed by Groupe Finot), it inherited that predecessor's reputation for being a competitive "all-rounder" capable of winning club races on Sunday and cruising comfortably on Monday. According to the Comar Yachts Archive, the design prioritized a balanced hull form that remains competitive under both ORC and IRC handicap systems.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 33 is defined by its agility and responsiveness, particularly in light to moderate Mediterranean breezes. With a displacement of approximately 4,500 kg and a generous sail area of 65 square meters, the boat possesses a Sail Area/Displacement ratio that leans toward the performance end of the cruiser-racer spectrum. This setup ensures that the boat "powers up" quickly, minimizing the need for motoring in sub-10 knot conditions.

On the water, the Vallicelli-designed hull features a narrow entry and a deep lead bulb keel (drafting 1.90m), which provides excellent tracking and upwind pointing ability. Handling is noted for being "nervous" in a positive, dinghy-like way; the steering is light, providing immediate feedback to the helmsman. While it is stiff enough to handle a freshening breeze, the Comet 33 rewards active sail trimming. Editorial tests from European sailing journals frequently highlight the boat’s sea-kindliness, noting that despite its light displacement, it does not "slam" in a chop as much as flatter-bottomed French competitors of the same era.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 33-foot boat focused on performance, the interior of the Comet 33 is surprisingly voluminous and sophisticated. Comar utilized light woods—typically cherry or oak—and white headliners to create an airy, modern atmosphere. The layout is a classic two-cabin configuration: a V-berth forward and a large transverse double cabin aft.

The salon features two longitudinal settees flanking a central folding table, providing enough seating for six adults. The galley, located to starboard, is compact but functional, featuring a two-burner stove and a top-loading refrigerator. One of the standout features for a vessel of this size is the head compartment, which is remarkably spacious and positioned to port of the companionway. Because the Comet 33 was often used for racing, the interior was designed with weight distribution in mind; heavy components like the engine and tanks are positioned low and central to minimize pitching.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Comet 33 with a focus on its dual-purpose history. Because many were campaigned in regattas, the structural integrity of the high-load areas is paramount.

• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given the performance nature and the deep bulb keel, the keel bolts and the surrounding fiberglass grid should be inspected for stress fractures or "smile" lines, which could indicate a previous grounding.
• Deck Hardware & Sealing: The Comet 33 features a significant amount of high-quality deck hardware. Over time, the sealant around winches and organizers can fail. Check the interior headliner for signs of water ingress, which can compromise the balsa or foam core of the deck sandwich.
• Saildrive Diaphragm: Most units were fitted with Yanmar or Lombardini engines paired with saildrives. It is critical to verify the age of the rubber saildrive seal (diaphragm), as these typically require replacement every 7 to 10 years.
• Rudder Bearings: Due to the high-aspect ratio of the rudder, the bearings can experience wear, leading to "play" or vibration in the wheel. This is a common maintenance item for Comar models of this vintage.

Community & Resources

The Comet 33 benefits from a very active owner base in Southern Europe. The most prominent technical resource is the Comet Owners Association (Associazione Armatori Comet), which hosts annual rallies and maintains a repository of technical manuals and tuning guides. While primarily Italian-speaking, the community is a vital source of information for sourcing OEM parts and understanding specific Vallicelli design quirks.

The Verdict

The Comet 33 is an elegant, fast, and technically sophisticated cruiser-racer that punches above its weight class in both style and speed. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who enjoys the "tweakability" of a race boat but refuses to sacrifice a warm, high-quality interior.

Pros

• Exceptional light-air performance and upwind pointing.
• High-quality Italian interior finish that ages better than many mass-market alternatives.
• Exempt from registration in certain jurisdictions due to the 9.99m hull length.
• Strong resale value in Mediterranean markets.

Cons

• Deep draft may limit access to shallower cruising grounds or "thin water" slips.
• Requires active sail trimming to maintain optimal heel angles in heavy air.
• Deck layout is optimized for a crew; shorthanded sailing requires some control line reorganization.