COMET 910 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The COMET 910 is a classic performance-oriented cruiser-racer designed by Finot and built by Comar Yachts. It targets sailors who value a responsive hull capable of both competitive club racing and comfortable coastal cruising.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

Analysis of the P/E and I/J dimensions for the COMET 910:

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 3.50 indicates a high-aspect rig, prioritizing vertical efficiency and upwind lift.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.01 is optimized for large, powerful overlapping genoas typical of this design era.
• Sail Area: 35m² total upwind area provides a balanced power-to-weight ratio for this 9.10m hull.
• Performance: The configuration leans toward technical upwind performance with significant power generated by the headsail.

Popular Sail Configurations

The fleet typically utilizes an overlapping genoa to maximize the large foretriangle area. For downwind legs, symmetric spinnakers are common, though modern configurations may adapt for asymmetric setups on a bowsprit.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect P/E ratio provides superior close-winded performance and lift.
• Significant I/J ratio favors large headsails for power in light to moderate air.
• The 1.71m draft and 3.02m beam provide the stiffness required to carry 35m² of sail efficiently.
• Finot's design ensures a weatherly boat that remains stable through a wide range of heel angles.

Sailing Considerations

The COMET 910 is a stiff and weatherly yacht that performs best when kept upright. It requires timely reefing as the wind increases to manage the large headsail's power. While easily handled by a couple, a crew of 3-4 is recommended for optimal sail trim during racing.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the COMET 910, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice for most sailors. SurgeX uses continuous fiber construction where fibers are laid along load paths and embedded in a thin membrane, providing superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while being more affordable than premium laminates. The continuous fiber structure means less stretch over time, maintaining the designed sail shape for years.

For racing applications, specify a lightweight SurgeX configuration with minimal base weight to maximize performance. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 3.50 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout works best to handle vertical loads. A typical inventory includes a full-batten mainsail and a 135% genoa. With 35m² of sail area, plan to reef around 18 knots.

Conclusion

The COMET 910 features a powerful, high-aspect rig that rewards precise sail trim and modern materials. Explore SurgeX membrane sail options to enhance your boat's performance and durability.