Advanced 66 Information, Review, Specs

The A66 is often categorized as a semi-custom build, allowing owners to tailor the rig and interior to their specific cruising or racing ambitions. Its siblings include the A66S, a "Sport" variant that emphasizes weight reduction and a taller sail plan, and the flagship A80, which shares the same design DNA on a larger scale. According to the Advanced Yachts technical overview, the hull is characterized by a wide beam carried well aft and a low-profile coachroof that provides 360-degree visibility from the saloon, a signature element of the brand’s identity.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Reichel/Pugh hull form gives the Advanced 66 a distinct performance edge over traditional cruising yachts of similar displacement. The design features a high-volume bow and flat exit sections aft, which encourage early planing and exceptional stability when reaching. Because the beam is so wide at the transom, the boat utilizes twin rudders to maintain grip and control even when heavily heeled. This setup ensures the helm remains light and responsive, providing the "fingertip control" typically reserved for smaller racing yachts.

In a comprehensive sea trial, Yachting World noted that the A66 excels in light to moderate air, where its high sail area-to-displacement ratio allows it to ghost along at speeds exceeding the true wind speed in some conditions. The rig is typically a carbon fiber mast from Southern Spars or Ashore, paired with a park avenue boom for easy mainsail handling. While the boat is capable of exhilarating speeds, the integration of hydraulic winches and a simplified deck layout means it can be managed by a minimal crew, often just a couple or a small professional team. The deep T-keel (available in fixed or telescopic versions) provides the necessary righting moment to carry a powerful sail plan safely.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Nauta Design’s influence is immediately apparent in the "Open Space" concept of the interior. By utilizing the yacht’s wide beam and large coachroof windows, the designers created a saloon that feels significantly larger than the 66-foot length suggests. The use of light oak or teak veneers, combined with high-end Italian fabrics, reinforces the luxury "Made in Italy" ethos. A defining feature of the A66 is the integration of the cockpit and the saloon; the low companionway threshold creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living areas.

Standard configurations usually feature a large master suite forward with an en-suite head and separate shower. Two guest cabins are typically situated aft, though the layout is flexible. Some owners opt for a "galley-forward" design to separate the crew’s work area from the social spaces, while others prefer a "galley-aft" layout that places the chef closer to the cockpit for alfresco dining. The A66S variant often features more minimalist furniture to save weight, whereas the standard A66 focuses on soundproofing and high-end amenities like air conditioning and water makers. Boat International highlights the boat’s ability to remain light and airy even in the guest cabins, thanks to strategically placed hull ports and hatches.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Advanced 66 gained significant international attention during its launch phase, appearing as a standout exhibit at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Genoa International Boat Show. The yacht "Agi," one of the most well-known hulls in the series, has been featured extensively in European yachting journals as the archetype of the modern Mediterranean performance cruiser. The model was also recognized as a finalist for the prestigious European Yacht of the Year award, cementing its status as a benchmark in the luxury sailing market.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Advanced 66 should focus their due diligence on the complex integrated systems that make the yacht manageable for a small crew.

• Hydraulic Systems: The A66 relies heavily on a centralized hydraulic power pack for winches, the furling system, and the backstay. Ensure the system has been serviced regularly to prevent leaks or pressure drops, which can be difficult to diagnose.
• Composite Integrity: Given the high-performance nature and sandwich construction (carbon/epoxy/foam), a professional hull survey using non-destructive testing (NDT) is recommended to check for delamination or core compression, particularly around the chainplates and keel grid.
• Moving Parts: The twin rudder bearings and the telescopic keel mechanism (if equipped) require specific inspection. Any play in the rudders can diminish the boat’s signature helm feel.
• Teak Deck Wear: The A66 features expansive teak decks that are glued, not screwed. Check for thinning or failing caulking, which is common in Mediterranean-kept boats exposed to high UV levels.

Community & Resources

Owners of Advanced Yachts typically benefit from direct factory support rather than a traditional high-volume owners' club. The builder, Advanced Yachts, maintains a bespoke relationship with its clients, often assisting with refits and technical upgrades. Technical specifications and original build drawings are often archived by the shipyard for each specific hull, making them the primary resource for maintenance and repairs.

The Verdict

The Advanced 66 is a masterclass in modern yacht design, offering a rare combination of race-bred performance and superyacht-level luxury. It is a vessel designed for the owner who enjoys the sensation of speed but refuses to compromise on the comforts of a high-end Mediterranean villa.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Reichel/Pugh hull lines ensure top-tier performance in all wind ranges.
• Italian Styling: Nauta Design delivers an interior that is both aesthetically stunning and functional.
• Ease of Handling: Advanced hydraulics and a clean deck layout make it manageable for a short-handed crew.
• Light and Air: Massive coachroof windows provide a bright, open-concept living space.

Cons:

• Complexity: The reliance on hydraulic and electronic systems requires diligent maintenance.
• Deep Draft: The performance-oriented keel may limit access to shallower cruising grounds and some marinas.
• Niche Market: As a semi-custom high-end vessel, resale can take longer than mass-produced yachts.