Comet 100RS

The sea trial was pubblished on Superyacht 31 – Winter 2012

The Italian yard Comar has delivered its first superyacht of the Comet range. This one is the 100 RS which will be flanked by others.

The Italian yard Comar has delivered its first superyacht of the Comet range. This one is the 100 RS which will be flanked by others. While the Comet 85 RS which is approaching termination will soon be joining the flagship.

The Fiumicino shipyard based near Rome can boast plenty of experience in sailing boats which have been widely appreciated in national and international racing events. The go ahead to build larger has been specially requested by existing Comet owners, that wanted to buy bigger yachts without compromising their working relationship with the existing boat yard. Surely Comar management saw fit to explore new segments of the market, and wisely by enlisting those valuable project designers and technicians that have until the present time contributed in consolidating the yard’s success.

The first and foremost being Studio Vallicelli for the water lines. This project designer had already penned his name to the Comet 52 and 62’ which feature sporty lines coupled to a sleek, low coaming with stretched window panelling providing a streamlined silhouette.

Naturally on a 100’ hull this stylistic concept carries a long way, and stands out more, fully in line with the original plans: A sporty looking yacht with a low silhouette but comfortable enough for long extended cruising. Therefore a race/cruiser rather than the opposite, capable of performing well conceived to race but equipped to endure long cruises.

The main features which clearly characterize the yacht’s dual purpose: blending performance to liveability are highlighted by a ballasted lifting keel which can extend from a minimum of 2.70 to a maximum 4.90 metres.

Two hefty hydraulic pistons ensure quick changes in draught as required. As a weight saving device carbon fibres and Corecell sandwich laminate make up the vacuum bagged hull which is subsequently oven treated at 80° C. Other structural works in the hull are in carbon while bulkheads are in PVC, glass and carbon fibres.

The material chosen for the mast was carbon but coupled to rod rigging as specifically requested by the owner who plans on cruising extensively. Another interesting feature is that the boat is equipped with is: two rudder blades both of which are installed to 15° angles and controlled by two wheels situated in the stern cockpit. Such choice ensures better steering and enhanced efficiency due to two rudders taking up a larger surface area rather than one only which translates also into a boat that is quick to respond to the commands given at the helm.

Shadow is the name given to the first of Comar’s superyachts which is the one we are currently describing. The deck layout is representative of an appropriate union of choices blending performance and comfort while cruising with an easy, simplified and efficient manoeuvring system.

A yacht with plenty of deck space to relax on in the open and to which one can ask for ‘performance sailing’ stints thanks to a powerful fully exploitable sail plan with adequate manoeuvres set in such a way as to make this always possible.

The interiors of this first model which are naturally custom made as will be the ones coming after clearly express the owner’s rationale and wishes. No frills, but much care taken for the crew’s well being, and his accordingly. For this reason the crew quarters are set in the stern area, in a classic linear style. Shadow clearly shows the owner’s intention to cruise extensively and in comfort for all on board in pleasant surroundings. Consequently the choice for rational interiors that leave little space for stylistic exercise.

A purposeful choice that some may wish to argue on the grounds that a 30 metre superyacht deserves something clearly different, while others declare that the owner’s choice is absolutely appropriate for a yacht destined to cruise extensively and pleasantly under sail.

From our stand point the choices taken deserve respect like every other customized solution, firstly because it satisfies the client, and secondly because we believe that every single individual solution brings with it concepts that are not universally acceptable, but that nevertheless have their purpose in expressing something even if debatable perhaps. In this particular case in point Shadow’s interiors express without any doubt pleasure for sailing, sailing in open waters and this long before owning a luxurious sailing yacht, in surroundings that are in any case representative of the sort of comfort standards expected on a yacht of this size. There are six cabins in all of which three are for the crew and three more for guests and the owner.

Once again the choice of a limited number of cabins was a specific request in order to enjoy larger convivial spaces such as the large and bright saloon area situated amidships thanks to the window panelling along the coaming and from ports along the topsides. The owner’s stateroom is situated in the bow area with a double bed, dressing table, divan, walk in wardrobe and a bright dedicated bathroom sporting plenty of natural light.

To each cabin there’s a dedicated bathroom including the crew’s. We found the access leading to the crew’s quarters from the stern cockpit interesting, as it also connects to the chart room table and all the electronic navigational aids. From this position there’s a galley, crew mess and night quarters all next to one another. This way the crew can absolve to their work more comfortably and efficiently without interfering with the owner’s guests that have the central part of the yacht to themselves while the owner also enjoys the privacy offered by the whole of the bow area.

A second cockpit hosting sofas and tables is situated at amidships. Access to the saloon is guaranteed by the companionway steps leading below which is always out of the crew’s way. Shadow’s owner is a keen sailor and enjoys sailing by himself as well. This fact transpires and finds confirmation in several of the choices made regarding the interior layout. We managed to speak with the captain who described the Comet 100 very easy to steer, like a dinghy but with the performance of a racer.

Now doubt that for the Fiumicino boat yard Shadow is certainly a début in the superyacht segment, which broadens its horizons and sales potential while the yard continues to deliver the range of boats that have made the yard known to sailing fans internationally.

For further information: Comar

by Stefano Colotti