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Comet 801
Designer: Finot  ·  Builder: Comar (Ita)  ·  First built: 1972
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About the Comet 801

Designed by renowned French naval architect Finot and built by Italian manufacturer Comar from 1972 to 1980, this 25-foot sailboat represents a classic example of early 1970s European yacht design philosophy. With 236 hulls produced during its eight-year production run, the Comet 801 found a dedicated following among sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser with respectable sailing performance. The boat's proportions reflect thoughtful design choices for its era. The moderate displacement of 4,409 pounds, combined with 1,543 pounds of ballast in a fin keel configuration, provides good stability while maintaining reasonable performance under sail. The masthead sloop rig carries 365 square feet of sail area, delivering a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 21.78 that suggests spirited sailing characteristics without being overly demanding. Built with fiberglass construction and featuring a fin keel with rudder mounted on a skeg, the Comet 801 offers reliable handling characteristics that inspire confidence in coastal waters. The comfort ratio of 18.66 indicates this boat favors performance over heavy-weather comfort, making it well-suited for day sailing and weekend coastal cruising rather than extended offshore passages. With a theoretical hull speed of 5.76 knots, owners can expect satisfying performance in moderate conditions while enjoying Finot's reputation for creating seaworthy, well-balanced designs.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 25.20 ft / 7.68 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.47 ft / 5.63 m
Beam 8.69 ft / 2.65 m
Max Draft 4.76 ft / 1.45 m
Displacement 4,409.00 lb / 2,000 kg
Ballast 1,543.00 lb / 700 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 365.00 ft² / 33.91 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Finot
Builder Comar (ITA)
First Built 1972
Last Built 1980
Number Built 236
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
21.78
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
35
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
312.39
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
18.66
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.12
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.76 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 573.50 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Farymann
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 6
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