B&G donate to the John Merricks Sailing Trust

New tactical equiptment for the Farr 45 John Merricks

B&G, the Performance Sailing Division of Simrad, is pleased to announce a
partnership with the RYA and the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST) that
will see the newly acquired Farr 45 John Merricks using the B&G h2000
instrument system with RaceVision and Deckman tactical software.

The JMST were recently generously donated the Farr 45, previously known as
Babbalaas, by David McLean. The boat will be used as part of the Volvo RYA
Keelboat Program and will also be used to raise the profile of the JMST's
activities. The Keelboat Program is designed to bring on young, promising
sailors from various other sailing disciplines such as smaller boats and
dinghy classes and to develop their skills in all aspects of larger yacht
racing.

Richard Acland, Managing Director of B&G, said: “We are delighted to be
supporting the JMST and the RYA with this project. We will be ensuring
that the John Merricks has all the equipment necessary to ensure the young
sailors get the most out of the program and the boat. These young sailors
are tomorrow's top performers, and so we are more than willing to offer
our experience, expertise and equipment to help them on their way.”

“John Merricks is a fantastic boat for the programme,” says David
Atkinson, RYA Racing Services Manager. “The support B&G is providing
through equipment, training seminars, and ongoing technical help is highly
valued and we are really pleased that B&G have come on board in such a
positive way and to have that available for the program is a real bonus.”

The RaceVision computer will be running B&G's Deckman software, which will
provide the crew of John Merricks with vital, real time tactical data.
Deckman is used by many of the world's top teams and their navigators
providing them with precise tactical and weather based information.

“Deckman is a powerful tool for improving performance and decision making,
and is perfect for developing navigation skills on board John Merricks,”
says Luke McCarthy, in charge of running the boat. “For the Keelboat
Programme sailors to be able to use the same systems as used on top racing
boats the world over is great. B&G has been very supportive, and we look
forward to their continued involvement in the John Merricks over the
coming years.”

Trustee of the John Merricks Sailing Trust, Ian Walker, said, “The Trust
is absolutely delighted that B&G has offered its support for this
programme. The Farr 45 John Merricks is a fantastic tool in which
talented young sailors can learn and develop their keelboat skills. The
yacht is entered into major national events such as the Bell Lawrie
Scottish Series, Skandia Cowes Week and the Rolex Fastnet Race, which will
enable the crews to put their training into practice and pit themselves
against the best sailors in the country.”