Comet 33 S Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 33 S is defined by its responsiveness in light to moderate air, a characteristic hallmark of Sergio Lupoli’s hull designs. With a displacement hovering around 4,500 kg and a generous sail area, the boat exhibits a high power-to-weight ratio that allows it to transition into its groove quickly. The hull features a relatively narrow waterline beam to minimize drag in light winds, but it flares significantly toward the deck to provide form stability when heeled.

Under sail, the 33 S is described as "nervous" in a positive, athletic sense; it provides immediate feedback through the tiller or optional wheel. The boat’s deep lead-bulb keel (standard on the S version) provides the necessary righting moment to carry its tall, fractional rig well into the upper teens of true wind speed before a reef is required. According to technical assessments by Sergio Lupoli Yacht Design, the focus was on a balanced hull form that maintains its tracking even when pressed hard. Unlike the standard Comet 33, which utilized a more conservative rig, the 33 S often features high-aspect-ratio sails and fine-tuned deck hardware that cater to an active crew.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its competitive exterior, the interior of the Comet 33 S retains the Italian elegance for which Comar is known. The layout typically consists of two double cabins—one forward and a surprisingly spacious aft cabin tucked under the cockpit—and a single head located to starboard. The use of light woods, often oak or light cherry, combined with multiple deck hatches, creates an airy, modern atmosphere that avoids the "cave-like" feel of many 30-foot racers.

The main salon features two longitudinal settees with a central folding table, doubling as sea berths during offshore passages. While the 33 S is the performance variant, it was built on the same hull as the standard Comet 33 Cruiser. The primary differences lie in the weight of the interior modules and the depth of the keel; the "S" version occasionally utilized lighter-weight sandwich construction for non-structural bulkheads to shave off kilograms. Buyers should note that a "Club" version also exists, which sits between the standard and the S, often featuring the taller rig but the shallower keel for cruising flexibility.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of the Comet 33 S should focus their inspections on the high-load areas typical of a performance-oriented vessel.

1. Grid and Keel Attachment: Because the 33 S is frequently raced, the internal fiberglass grid (the "ragno") should be inspected for any signs of cracking or delamination, which could indicate a previous hard grounding or high-stress racing cycles.
2. Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder is highly balanced and sensitive. Any "play" or stiffness in the steering system often points to worn self-aligning bearings, which are common in Mediterranean builds of this era.
3. Saildrive Seal: Most units are powered by Volvo Penta engines with saildrive units. The rubber diaphragm seal has a recommended replacement interval of 7 years; on a boat of this vintage, documentation of this service is critical.
4. Deck Hardware Sealing: The S version features an array of blocks and tracks. Owners on European forums often note that the bedding compound on the genoa tracks can dry out, leading to minor leaks into the salon cabinetry.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical context is the Comar Yachts official site, which maintains an archive of their various Comet iterations. For owners looking for specific tuning guides for the Sergio Lupoli hull, the designer's own portfolio site provides insights into the naval architecture of the 33 series. While there is no dedicated English-speaking "Comet 33 S" association, the "Comet" owners’ groups on social media platforms are highly active, particularly in Italy and France, where the model was a commercial success.

The Verdict

The Comet 33 S remains a compelling choice for the sailor who refuses to choose between a competitive racing handicap and a weekend-capable interior. It captures the "Made in Italy" aesthetic—sleek, fast, and light—while remaining manageable for a couple to sail.

Pros:

• Performance: Exceptional light-wind speeds and a very stiff feel when the wind picks up.
• Aesthetics: A modern, timeless design that looks newer than its actual build date.
• Versatility: One of the few 33-footers that can genuinely win a trophy on Saturday and host a family cruise on Sunday.

Cons:

• Weight Sensitivity: Performance suffers significantly if overladen with heavy cruising gear or oversized dinghies.
• Cockpit Layout: The cockpit is optimized for a racing crew; it can feel slightly cramped for more than four adults during casual lounging.
• Draft: The deep keel of the S version may limit access to some shallower cruising grounds or marinas.