Comet 770

The Comet 770 is a 7.7-meter masthead sloop designed by Groupe Finot and built by Comar Yachts between 1973 and 1978, originally as an IOR 1/4 ton racer. With a fin keel and rudder on skeg, it displaces 1610 kg. Aboard "Maurizio and the sail," the Comet 770 is sailed on Lake Garda, where its crew demonstrates single-handed maneuvers. The crew uses a specific solo mooring technique, retrieving the buoy from the stern to maintain helm control, and emphasizes keeping the engine running until secured.3:30 Single-handed reefing in 15–17 knots of wind involves ten steps, including bearing away, easing sheets, and adjusting halyards and reefing lines, with the crew noting an autopilot or second person is essential to prevent uncontrolled bearing away.1:40 Departure from a dock single-handed includes disconnecting shore power, warming the engine, and assessing wind direction before releasing lines and backing out.0:45 The boat's Marconi rig features an aluminum mast, boom, and standing rigging with forestays, backstays, and shrouds.0:50 The crew explains points of sail relative to wind direction, defining the no-go zone and distinguishing between tacking and jibing.1:35 The boat's handling characteristics are influenced by the relationship between the center of lateral resistance and the center of effort, which determine weather or lee helm.2:18