The Comet 51 S was a turning point for Comar, and struck upon a new style

When the Vallicelli design of the Comet 51 S (S stands for Sport) was revealed at the 2002 Genoa Boat Dhow there was no missing her. Studio Vallicelli have worked with Comar Yachts since the 1980s, but the industry chat surrounding this sleek model made it clear that the Comet 51 S was a turning point for the builder, and struck upon a new style. So what is it that’s so special about the Comet 51 S? Simple – the coach roof. At least that’s where the attraction starts. For production cruiser-racers the Comet 51 S redefines sleek with the lowest, blister-style lid this side of a full-race boat. Set low in the sides of the superstructure are a pair of slender, rectangular tinted windows that peek above the teak side decks like the eyes of an alligator on the prowl. As the coach roof extends forwards past the mast, it tapers by the shallowest of angles to meet the vast, flush foredeck where a single low-profile hatch in the center stands proud of the smooth surface. Working back from the companion way, shallow coamings run around the open after cockpit before ending with a modest chamfer just before the transom. Lovely.

However, the deck lines of the Comet 51 S aren’t just about style… Indeed, one of the best things about this boat is the way she looks far more extreme than she really is. The flush-looking lines suggest a design where intricate moldings, concealed conduits for control lines and expensive metalwork would make her a tricky and expensive boat to maintain. Not at all! The Comet 51 S stanchion bases are standard, the control lines led back in the normal way, largely above decks, there are no expensive and temperamental flush-fitting hatches and her chain plates are straightforward stainless fabrications fitted towards the inboard face of the side deck. There really is nothing extreme about the Comet 51 S. The large wheel provides plenty of feel and the traveler position provides some degree of mainsail control for the helmsman.

The Comet 51 S’s cockpit is deep, the seating area is generous and movement around de whole area is easy, even with several crew in the cockpit. She also has no bridgedeck by the companionway, making life easier in the pit area. Given that the Comet 51 S is not designed as a go-anywhere bluewater cruiser, she has good stowage on deck with the option to fit a large detachable locker across the open transom. The Comet 51 S’s accommodation is much more straightforward than the 45’s. The standard version is a three-cabin layout with two doubles aft and an owner’s double forward. The saloon seating is U-shaped and to port, while the small navigation station is to starboard with a pair of seats in face-to-face organization.