The following are links which we hope you find of use:
Avant-Garde: A term borrowed from the French signifying the small part of the population of artists and thinkers whose ideas and techniques are in advance of the mainstream. It was originally a military term literally meaning "front guard", to signify the scouts who travelled in front of the army to see what was ahead.
Avant: The name given to the experienced voyageur who paddled at the very front or bow of the canoe. The Avant watched for obstacles and changes in the river and set the pace for the paddling.
Avanti: An Italian word meaning 'Forward'.
The arrow in the logo signifies not only moving forward, but also looking ahead for any obstacles or turbulence.