Avance Yachts Ltd. was rooted in the Finnish boatbuilding tradition, operating from Öjä, near Kokkola, Finland. While the precise founding year of Avance Yachts Ltd. and the specific individuals behind its inception are not widely documented, the company's story truly began to unfold with the emergence of its first known model, the Avance 245, which was first built in 1972. This compact yet capable sailboat marked the beginning of Avance's collaboration with Peter Norlin, a naval architect whose designs would become synonymous with the brand's identity. The Avance 245 was also noted to be built by AB Oja Batar, indicating a close manufacturing relationship or that Avance was a brand under the Öja Båtar umbrella.
History and Evolution
The history of Avance Yachts is closely intertwined with its primary builder, Öja Båtar AB, located near Jakobstad, Finland, and the influential designs of Peter Norlin. While Avance Yachts Ltd. is consistently listed as the builder or brand, Öja Båtar AB was the manufacturing force behind many of their well-known models, including the highly regarded Avance 36. This collaboration allowed Avance to bring Norlin's innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs to life in fiberglass, a material that had become standard for yacht construction during this period, offering durability and efficient production.
Avance's most prolific period spanned from the early 1970s through the late 1980s. During this time, the company focused on producing a limited but well-regarded range of sailing yachts. There is no readily available information indicating major corporate mergers or acquisitions beyond the strong operational relationship between the Avance brand and the Öja Båtar shipyard. While SailboatData.com lists "0 - present" for Avance Yachts' years in business, this likely refers to the continued existence of their designs in the sailing world rather than ongoing new boat production. The company's active boatbuilding era effectively concluded with the cessation of production for its primary models.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Avance Yachts quickly earned a reputation for "superb Finnish craftsmanship" combined with "world-class design." This reputation was largely cemented by their collaboration with Peter Norlin, a designer renowned for creating yachts that offered an excellent balance of performance, seaworthiness, and comfortable interiors. Norlin's designs for Avance were often lauded for their elegant lines and efficient hulls. The Avance 36, in particular, was praised upon its debut in 1977, with onlookers marveling at its aesthetic appeal. Peter Norlin's design philosophy emphasized boats that performed as expected, a trait encapsulated by the sentiment that "Norlin boats always did what it said on the Carton."
Beyond Norlin, Sparkman & Stephens, another legendary name in naval architecture, are also credited with designs for Avance Yachts, further solidifying the brand's commitment to high-caliber design. Avance boats were not just about speed; they were also conceived as comfortable family cruisers, demonstrating an ability to offer relaxation for pleasant stays on board, even during longer voyages.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Avance Yachts, under the design influence of Peter Norlin, produced several iconic models that left a lasting mark on the Scandinavian and broader European sailing scene:
- Avance 245: Introduced in 1972, the Avance 245 was the earliest known model from the builder and showcased Peter Norlin's early work with the brand.
- Avance 36: Perhaps the most famous and celebrated of Avance's creations, the Avance 36 was designed by Peter Norlin in 1977. Approximately 100 units of this model were built. It was widely admired for its graceful appearance and performance capabilities, described as a coastal cruiser with a deep hull, adept at both cruising and racing.
- Avance 33: Following the success of the 36, the Avance 33, also a Peter Norlin design, was built between 1980 and 1988. While fewer than 100 of these boats were produced, it continued the brand's tradition of well-designed, capable family cruisers.
- Avance 40 DH (Deck House): A larger offering, the Avance 40 DH from 1984, demonstrated the builder's foray into more substantial cruising yachts.
These models cemented Avance's legacy as a builder of well-crafted, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing sailboats, particularly favored for their blend of cruising comfort and respectable performance, characteristics often attributed to Norlin's masterful designs.
The Builder Today
As of today, Avance Yachts Ltd. is no longer actively building new boats. The company's peak production period concluded by the end of the 1980s, consistent with many smaller, quality European builders of that era who faced increasing competition and changing market dynamics.
However, the legacy of Avance Yachts endures through the many well-maintained vessels that continue to grace waterways worldwide. Avance boats, such as the 245, 33, and 36, frequently appear on the used boat market, attracting discerning buyers who appreciate their robust construction, classic lines, and enjoyable sailing characteristics. Owners of Avance yachts often speak to the enduring quality and seaworthiness of these Finnish-built vessels, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defined the brand's output. While a formal, organized Avance owner community might not be as prominent as for larger, still-active brands, the shared appreciation among owners for these fine yachts ensures their continued place in maritime history.
