COMET 38 S Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

Designed by A.Vallicelli & C. and built by Comar Yachts, the COMET 38 S is a performance-oriented cruiser-racer. It is designed for owners who prioritize speed and handling in a competitive fleet while maintaining enough comfort for coastal cruising.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

The COMET 38 S features a well-proportioned rig that balances power with efficiency:

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.71 indicates a tall, high-aspect rig, maximizing lift-to-drag ratios for superior upwind performance.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.55 is optimized for high-aspect jibs or moderate genoas, providing versatility across varying wind ranges.
• Sail Area: With 68m² of upwind sail area on an 11.39m hull, the power-to-weight ratio is favorable for light-to-moderate air.
• Performance: The configuration leans toward a weatherly and stiff profile, ideal for competitive club racing and spirited sailing.

Popular Sail Configurations

While fleet data varies, most owners optimize for the boat's dual-purpose nature:

• Mainsail: Standard configurations include full-batten mainsails for shape stability and longevity.
• Headsail: Most setups utilize a 105-110% overlapping genoa or a dedicated high-aspect working jib for heavy-air efficiency.

Key Characteristics

• High-Aspect Rig: The 2.71 P/E ratio creates a slender, efficient sail plan for close-hauled sailing.
• Versatile Foretriangle: An I/J of 3.55 allows for precise headsail trim and efficient tacking.
• Excellent Stability: The 2.07m draft provides the necessary leverage to carry the 68m² sail plan in a breeze.
• Weatherly Design: Low-drag hull and efficient rig make the COMET 38 S exceptionally close-winded.

Sailing Considerations

The COMET 38 S is a responsive boat that rewards active sail trimming. It performs optimally in 8 to 22 knots of true wind, though it remains manageable for a crew of 3-4 during cruising. In higher wind ranges, the boat remains stiff, though the high-aspect mainsail requires timely depowering to maintain an upright heel angle.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the COMET 38 S, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice. SurgeX utilizes continuous fiber construction where load-path fibers are embedded in a thin membrane. This provides superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while remaining more cost-effective than premium carbon laminates. The continuous fiber structure significantly reduces stretch over time, ensuring the boat remains fast and balanced for many seasons.

For racing applications, a lightweight SurgeX configuration without taffeta is recommended to minimize aloft weight and maximize acceleration. For cruising or bluewater use, we recommend adding a thin taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and prevent abrasion during tacks. Based on the 2.71 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout within the SurgeX membrane works best to handle the vertical loads of the tall mainsail. A typical performance inventory includes a high-aspect main, a Code 0 for light air, and a 105% jib. Given the 68m² area, plan to take the first reef at approximately 16–18 knots to maintain optimal hull speed.

Conclusion

The COMET 38 S is a refined Vallicelli design that excels in upwind efficiency and responsiveness. Explore sail options for COMET 38 S to unlock its full performance potential with modern membrane technology.