Avance 40 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Avance 40 begins in 1982, emerging from the boatyards of Avance Yachts Ltd., operating from Öjä, near Kokkola, Finland. The company, closely intertwined with Öja Båtar AB for manufacturing, benefited from a strong tradition of Finnish boatbuilding. The Avance 40 is a Sparkman & Stephens design, specifically S&S #2436, reflecting the firm's philosophy of creating yachts that consistently perform as expected.

Avance Yachts during this period, spanning from the early 1970s through the late 1980s, was known for producing a limited but well-regarded range of sailing yachts characterized by their durability and aesthetic appeal. The Avance 40 was offered with different keel configurations, including a centerboard version, which provided a minimum draft of 4.92 feet and a maximum draft of 8.83 feet, and a fin keel version with a draft of 7.02 feet. Additionally, the yacht was available with either a masthead or fractional sloop rig, with the fractional sloop design featured in the boat's specifications. While specific production end years are not explicitly detailed, Avance's active boatbuilding era generally concluded by the end of the 1980s, though individual models like the Avance 40 continued to be sold into at least 1984.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Avance 40 is recognized as a moderate-weight sailboat that delivers good performance. With a length overall of 40 feet and a waterline length of 32 feet, her design ratios point to a capable and stable vessel. Her Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 18.18 suggests a lively performance in lighter winds while still providing ample power for heavier conditions.

The yacht boasts a significant Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.429, indicating high stiffness and excellent stability, allowing her to stand up to a considerable amount of wind without excessive heeling. This attribute contributes to her good righting capability. Her Displacement to Length ratio of around 267 places her firmly in the category of a moderate performance cruiser, striking a balance between swift passage-making and comfortable offshore capability. Owners and reviewers often describe her as a typical Finnish performance cruiser with excellent handling characteristics and a solid feel in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Avance 40 is a testament to the quality craftsmanship of Finnish boatbuilding, featuring a beautiful teak finish throughout. The hull is constructed from hand-laid fiberglass, while the deck employs a sandwich construction, which not only enhances structural integrity but also contributes to an improved indoor climate by providing better insulation.

Typically, the Avance 40 offers two cabins, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements. While detailed layouts can vary, a common configuration would include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that often convert into additional berths, a galley, and a head compartment. The use of high-quality materials and finishes, such as re-varnished interior furniture, suggests a focus on durability and classic yacht aesthetics. The interior is designed to offer a comfortable experience, suitable for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Avance 40 consistently praise its robust construction, elegant lines, and enjoyable sailing characteristics, often comparing its aesthetics and build quality to those of Nautor's Swan yachts. The "superb Finnish craftsmanship" is a recurring theme, with many highlighting the beautiful teak interior as a standout feature. Owners frequently describe the Avance 40 as a well-made and capable boat that instills confidence on the water. While specific common problems are not widely documented in generalized reviews, the overall sentiment points to high owner satisfaction, with some considering it "the best 40' sailboat I've EVER seen." The enduring quality and seaworthiness of these vessels ensure their continued appreciation in the used boat market.