Advanced A66S (20m), the Italian semi-custom that improves like the Porsche 911

Can you improve a boat that experts say is as perfect as the Advanced A66? The answer is yes, you can. The new Advanced A66S (20.46 x 5.40 m) has added an S to the initials and dozens of improvements to this boat, a true symbol of “made in Italy.” The comparison is with the Porsche 911, which has been continuously improved for decades but still remains itself. The concept applied by Advanced is the same: improve without distorting.

Advanced A66S – What’s New

The new Advanced A66S, recently in the water, has evolved with the same development as the Porsche 911; it looks like the same boat but a great deal changes as technology and design evolve. The operation was coordinated by a dream team, the same team that had brought the first A66 to life.

The hull and sail plan are the work of the U.S.-based design firm Reichel-Pugh, famous for the balance of their boats under sail and top performance.

The deck and interior design are the work of Milan-based archistars Nauta Yachts. The two bosses, Mario Pedol and Massimo Gino, refined and evolved the design of the A 66S. The highlight of this 20-meter boat remains the harmonious deckhouse, which has been copied by many over time, but remains unique.

Advanced A66S – Exterior

You only have to look at the photos to realize how the Italian duo managed to create a “raised saloon” deckhouse with windows and height that allow for a raised sea-view saloon below deck, without weighing down the exterior design that usually suffers. But not in this case.

Unique and highly copied are the filleted handguards protecting the cockpit, which fit perfectly into the design of the short deckhouse, ending aft of the mast. This frees up totally unobstructed bow space, which is perfect for both sailing and roadstead use.

The new Advanced A66S, of course, has been equipped with a long dolphin track that allows the anchor downhaul to be moved forward and the attachment of carrying wind sails such as the gennaker to be moved forward.

Lots of small improvements in the deck plan as well with the maneuvers even more within the reach of smaller crew, to the point that really this 20-meter can be carried in just two people.

Advanced A66S – Interior

Inside, too, the layout of the Advanced A66S has undergone changes to improve the movement of people and to take advantage of every bit of useful space. As well as new design and materials.

Advanced A66S – The 10 new features

To give you an idea of the improvements over the old A66 here is a list of 10 important changes on the Advanced A66S:

• hull portholes are larger
• a new central turret was built in the cockpit for the mainsail winch and with Antal motorized rail
• the 4 primary and secondary winches were moved to improve use with reduced crew
• new gull-wing helmsman benches
• new wheelhouse console
• the foresail cylinder is now below deck
• the cove of the chain is wider and smoother
• new motorization
• new larger kitchen
• new interior design

Advanced A66S – Data Sheet

Overall length 20.46 m
Maximum width 5.40 m
Draught 3.20 m
Displacement 26,000 kg
Sail area 225 sqm
Water 785 l
Fuel 1,064 l
Volvo Penta D3 150 hp engine
General concept Advanced Yachts
Master plans, interior and exterior styling Nauta Yachts
Reichel&Pugh Naval Architecture
Construction: Hull and deck sandwich with glass fabrics, impregnated with vacuum epoxy resin. Unidirectional carbon reinforcements in areas stressed by high load.

• Discover all boats of Advanced Yachts here
• Discover here all the Advanced Yachts models on display at Milan Yachting Week