PRESS RELEASE: Beneteau and ASA Launch Training Vessel

Beneteau and ASA Launch Training Vessel
September 16 2014 – Beneteau America and the American Sailing Association (ASA) are announcing the World Premiere of the ASA First 22 at the upcoming Annapolis Sailboat Show, October 9-13 2014.
Beneteau America and the ASA initially announced their partnership at last year’s Annapolis boat show and are now eager to reveal the fruit of their collaboration, a new ASA-exclusive sail training vessel using Beneteau’s popular First 20 as its inspiration.
THE PERFECT TRAINING VESSEL
The new boat is being produced in the USA at Beneteau’s factory in Marion, South Carolina. Some of its features include an extended cockpit to give students and instructors more room, a rig designed specifically for sail training, and ergonomic and safety innovations to ensure that every sail is comfortable and safe.
The research and development team at Beneteau used input from ASA instructors, schools, and leading competitive sailors to refine and adapt the Finot, Conq & Associates design of its very successful First 20. This collaboration has produced a singularly modern sail training vessel to make learning how to sail easier, safer and more fun!
“Throughout the process, we have sought the input and feedback of a representative group of ASA affiliated schools and instructors. Since they have influenced the initial design of the boat and continue to offer valuable input, we’re confident the new ASA First 22 will be a great success,” noted Lenny Shabes, ASA’s founder and chairman of the board.
STRATEGIC POSITIONNING
“This project is particularly relevant and exciting to Beneteau; building small sailing vessels to invite more people to experience the thrill of sailing is exactly what our company’s success is built upon,” explained Laurent Fabre, President of Beneteau America. “We feel very fortunate to partner with ASA to offer a new and exciting boat for their associated schools to attract new sailors. We’re confident this new vessel will enhance their students’ and instructors’ time on the water. And it’s just the beginning!”
Fabre further explained that Beneteau America negotiated a leasing program exclusive to ASA affiliate schools to help them get equipped quickly, while minimizing the upfront investment.
The new ASA First 22 will be revealed at the 2014 Annapolis Sailboat Show, October 9th – 13th.
Members of the press are invited to exclusive sea trials during the Annapolis Boat Show. For details and RSVP: http://asa.com/annapolis2014.htm
About the American Sailing Association
The American Sailing Association (ASA) has been the leader in U.S. sailing education for over three decades. The association has grown to include an international network of more than 300 professionally accredited sailing schools. Over 450,000 students and more than 7500 instructors have been certified by ASA schools since 1983. For more information, visit www.asa.com, or contact us at info@asa.com.
About Beneteau America
Beneteau is known worldwide for its sleek design, quality construction and innovation in the manufacturing of seaworthy sailing and power yachts. The Beneteau story began 130 years ago when Benjamin Bénéteau started building fishing trawlers in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France. Today, the company continues to thrive under the leadership of Benjamin Bénéteau’s granddaughter, Madame Annette Bénéteau-Roux. Beneteau has manufacturing facilities in France, Brazil and the United States.

 
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