Terra Nova Trading Key West 2004 - Zodiac

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Zodiac of North America Named "Official RIB" Of

Terra Nova Trading Key West 2004 Sailing Regatta

STEVENSVILLE, MD (December 23, 2003) - Zodiac of North America (ZNA) announced today it has been named the "Official RIB Supplier" to Terra Nova Trading Key West 2004, a five day sailing regatta taking place in Key West, Florida from January 19-23, 2004.

ZNA will provide organizers of the event with three top-of-the-line rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs) to serve as support boats for judges and media crews as they follow the sailboats throughout the race.

"This is a great opportunity to support one of the world's top competitive sailing events with one of the world's premiere recreational RIBs," said JJ. Marie, President & CEO of Zodiac of North America. "It is also a chance to show sailors and yacht owners the state of the art in RIB technology, performance, style and comfort, as well as their practical benefits - such as superior ride quality and soft-sided inflatable collars that allow you to easily dock alongside other boats without causing damage."

ZNA also plans to conduct a boater survey during the five day sailing regatta to learn more about the racing sailor's evolving needs for RIB and inflatable tenders. ZNA will use results of the survey to guide its development of special RIB and inflatable designs focused exclusively on the needs of racing sailors. ZNA currently offers several standard and semi-custom RIB and inflatable tenders for the sailing and yacht communities. ZNA is also the "Official Rigid Inflatable Supplier of US SAILING," a presenting sponsor of the organization's "Safety At Sea" program, and the "Official Rigid Inflatable Supplier of the US Sailing Team."

The Zodiac sport RIBs to be used for the event include two 24-foot Medline IIIs, and one 19-foot Medline II. Designed for high performance and comfort on the open sea, the Medline RIBs are well suited for their Key West mission. The Medline series uses a military-style deep-V fiberglass hull design for instant planing and excellent all-around performance. The deep-V hull ensures exceptional navigation in heavy seas and was originally developed for military and Coast Guard RIBs. At top speeds, the Medline's inflatable collar makes it easier for boaters to maintain control, make high-speed turns, and stay dry, all with exceptional ride quality.

The 24' Medline III is the flagship of a series of Zodiac boats that also includes the 19' 8" Medline II and the 15' 9" Medline I. The Medline III's stylish and roomy interior carries up to 15 passengers and, with twin four-stroke engines, can achieve speeds of up to 50+ mph. The Medline III received the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Award in 2002.

About Terra Nova Trading Key West
Terra Nova Trading Key West is an annual five day sailing race in Key West, Florida that typically attracts over 300 competitors. This year's registered participants already include sailing teams from 20 U.S. states and 15 countries. The sailing regatta, organized by Premiere Racing, Inc. (PRI), will take place from January 19-23, 2004. For more information, visit the Web site at www.premiere-racing.com.

About Zodiac Of North America, Inc.
Zodiac of North America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Zodiac S.A., the world's largest manufacturer of RIBs, inflatable boats, life rafts and marine safety equipment, and the world's oldest manufacturer of inflatable boats. The company manufactures and distributes RIBs and foam collar crafts (both fiberglass and aluminum hulls), inflatable boats, life rafts and safety equipment. Zodiac brands include Zodiac, AVON and Bombard.

Zodiac's manufacturing facilities are located in South Carolina, Washington, Vancouver, British Columbia, and several other countries around the world. Zodiac originated several major concepts that evolved the inflatable boat, including the inflatable keel, Futura hull, H2P high-pressure air floor and the Acti-V hull. Zodiac of North America, Inc. corporate headquarters are located at 540 Thompson Creek Road, Stevensville, MD 21666; Phone: (410) 643-4141; Fax: (410) 643-4491; Internet: www.zodiacmarineusa.com or www.zodiac.com.
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A Message From The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: Boat smart from the start, take a boating education course and get a vessel safety check for your boat. For information, call the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at 1-800-368-5647 or visit the Web site at www.cgaux.com. You may also contact the U.S. Power Squadrons at 1-888-FOR-USPS or visit the Web site at www.usps.org.

Contact: Michael Sias or John Quinn
Haber & Quinn Public Relations & Marketing
Ph: (954) 764-6011; Fax: (954) 764-6012