BENETEAU USA RECOGNIZED IN THE 2003 MARINE INDUSTRY
CSI AWARD PROGRAM

CHARLESTON, SC…Beneteau USA was recently recognized at the Miami International Boat Show as a recipient of the Marine Industry CSI Award for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction for auxiliary powered sailboats. The CSI Award acknowledges companies who are enrolled in the Marine Industry CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) Program and adhere to the guidelines of the program achieving an average score of 90 or above for 2002.
"CSI and customer retention is a priority program for Beneteau USA. CSI has proven to be extremely valuable giving us the ability to listen to the needs and desires of our customers enabling us to improve upon our product and services. It also gives us the advantage to respond quickly to the owner which enhances loyalty to the Beneteau product," said Rachel Sweeney, Marketing Director.
The newly launched Marine Industry CSI Awards were established to provide annual recognition to those companies which actively measure customer satisfaction to pursue continuous improvement, and which have achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of Excellence in Customer Satisfaction over the past year.
"We are extremely honored to be a recipient of the CSI Award. Excellence in customer service has become crucial to the success of the marine industry. We hope by raising the bar and setting new standards that manufacturers who are not already participating will recognize the value of the program," said Wayne Burdick, President.
The Marine Industry CSI Program was launched by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) two years ago with the aim of providing boat and engine manufacturers a cost-effective tool to raise the bar on customer satisfaction in the boating industry.

Charleston, SC: Beneteau USA unveiled their newest 42-footer at the Annapolis Boat Show. This magnificent vessel was under shroud and then "unveiled" for the first time at this worldwide public premier.

"We are extremely excited to introduce this exciting new 42-foot passage making cruiser to the Americas. Based on the design of the very successful Beneteau 473, she is loaded with an impressive list of features at a price that is truly remarkable", said Wayne Burdick, President.

So what makes this new 42-foot Beneteau so unique? Designed by Groupe Finot, naval architects well known for their sturdy ocean daring Around Alone vessels, the 423 encompasses a confident bluewater hull with extraordinary comfort, gorgeous interior woodwork, loads of volume and an abundance of light.

On deck you'll find top notch Lewmar hardware and a meticulously laid out cockpit that allows for easy handling by one of two people. Designed to venture in various sailing conditions, you have a choice of (3) keels ranging from a shoal 4'9" to a deep 6'11". And she is equipped standard with "performance cut" Neil Pryde sails in a choice of roller furling or classic rigs. More volume, a bigger interior, larger fuel and water tanks and the latest generation of quiet, high torque/low RPM Volvo auxiliary diesel will satisfy the most scrupulous of sailor, whether it be for offshore sailing or cruising in the harbor. Not to mention that she is built to CE offshore A category standards. Constructed at Beneteau's newly expanded state-of-the-art plant facility in Marion, SC, her hull is hand-laid solid G.R.P. with a G.R.P. structural grid. The grid is laminated using high-strength non-woven stitch mat fiberglass and unidirectional rovings to achieve maximum structural distribution of all loads and forces while controlling weight. From a standpoint of structure and integrity, whether hull to deck joint or hull construction, the 423 follows the Beneteau tradition of designed strength- 100% reliable with no recorded failure in millions of miles.

Below, Beneteaus hallmark gorgeous interior woodwork is more evident than ever. A luxurious master cabin forward features a comfy centerline berth and a separate owners head with a true stall shower. An abundance of storage in combination with a remarkable amount of ventilation and plenty of natural light makes this 42-footer a dream to sail.

"Shortly after the introduction of the Beneteau 473, we took over 70 orders in less than 10 months. Based on the successful 473's systems and designs, we expect no less from the Beneteau 423", said Michael Lecholop, Vice President Sales.

The Beneteau 423 is being offered at a remarkable value ­ how does Beneteau do it? As the world's largest sailboat manufacturer and over twice the size if it's closest competitor, Beneteau has the industrial engineering, buying power and resources to offer more to the customer. This remarkable introductory price, in combination with exceptionally low interest rates, makes it a perfect time to make your dream a reality as a proud new owner of this new 42-foot Beneteau beauty.

Beneteau 423 Model Page