Pearson Yachts Will Showcase Its New "True North 38" As The Official Committee Boat for Yachting's Key West Race Week 2002.

Warren, RI - The famous name of Pearson Yachts will be re-visiting its sailing roots through its sponsorship of one of the sport's key racing events of the year. In the capacity of the Official Committee Boat, Pearson will introduce its all-new True North 38 power cruiser.

During competition hours, two True North 38s will be working the race, used by committee members to set marks and oversee the starts and finishes for the more than 350 boats expected in Key West for the racing January 21-25 next year.

Outside race hours, the True North 38s will be available for inspection at the docks directly across from race headquarters. This signals Pearson's policy of bringing its new line of powerboats directly to its target audience.

"We are exploring a number of different opportunities for presenting our new design to seriously interested buyers," says Mark Pearson. "We want the ability to communicate in a relaxed atmosphere with our potential customers, and we feel events like Yachting's Key West Race Week are ideal settings."

Pearson expects to see a lot of familiar faces, as its parent company, TPI Composites, is also the builder of J-Boats, which will undoubtedly have another strong showing in 2002. Over 65 J-Boats entered the field of 326 boats in 2001. "We feel that the racer who participates in an event like Key West Race Week would be interested in our True North 38," comments Jono Billings, Pearson's National Sales Manager. "It makes an ideal tender to a race boat, it's a great family cruiser, and it's a fun boat to entertain your friends on."

During the 2002 season, Pearson Yachts plans to promote the True North 38 through marketing events and sponsorships in major boating markets on both the East and West Coasts. "Since we are selling directly to our customers, we will be creating and supporting various events that will encourage serious buyers to take a close look at our boat and spend quality time with our people," comments Mark Pearson.

The True North 38 is a fast, affordable family cruiser based on the popular, seaworthy New England lobster boat design. It cruises at between 20 and 25 knots, depending on engine selection, and it is available in three models starting at $240,000.