March 2008 Windy Boats sets new standards in environmentally sustainable boat design and production. 44 Chinook heralds arrival of a new generation of leaner, greener Windy models. Norwegian boat builder, Windy Boats, is taking a lead in nvironmentallysustainable boat design and production, with a series of initiatives designed to reduce the environmental footprint of its world-class boats. The first in its new generation of leaner, greener models, the Windy 44 Chinook hard-top sports cruiser, was launched at the Düsseldorf Boat Show in January. A second new model, the Windy 48 Triton luxury cruiser, is due to be unveiled in June. For the past two years, Windy has been working systematically to eliminate the use of tropical and IUCN red-listed woods, and teak decking. Both the Chinook and the Triton employ steamed ash in place of teak, with tropical wood interior and exterior finishes replaced with sustainably-sourced light oak. Vacuum injection moulding of the Chinook and Triton’s hulls, decks and all major GRP components has resulted in a significant reduction in styrene emissions, as well as weight savings. Windy is working in partnership with leading Swedish marine engine manufacturer, Volvo Penta, to develop optimal engine solutions for this new generation of lighter boats, with the aim of improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Hybrid diesel-electric power solutions for all Windy boats are also being examined. From wood and GRP, Windy is moving to evaluate its use of glues, adhesives, antifouling and other liquid products, to protect its employees, and the environment. As part of this effort, Windy is in discussion with its business partners and suppliers to gain their commitment to reduce waste and adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Commenting on Windy’s environmental strategy, Windy CEO Knut Heiberg- Anderson says: “As Scandinavia’s leading boat builder, Windy is proud to be taking the lead in responsible boat design and production. Environmental sustainability has become a significant element of our business strategy over the past two years, and has been taken up with great commitment and enthusiasm by our team. As boat builders, and users, we have a duty to protect the environment from which we, and our customers derive such pleasure, but we also believe that what is good for the environment is good for business. ”

Note to editors: Windy Boats AS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Periscopus AS, Oslo, Norway - a privately owned holding company with interests which include publishing, media, hotels and property. Windy boats are built at Skarpnes, just outside Arendal on the southern coast of Norway, and in Västervik, Sweden. Founded in 1966, the company today employs around 270 people producing 15 models ranging from 25 to 58 feet.