Beneteau announces the giveaway of a new First 22 sailboat during the upcoming United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis, October 8-12, 2015. The giveaway is part of Beneteau’s 30th Anniversary celebrating 30 years of boat building in the USA. Show goers who purchase their tickets online and are eligible to win will be automatically entered. On-site participation will be open during show hours, October 8-12. At the closing of the Giveaway Period, a random drawing will determine the winner of the grand prize: a Beneteau First 22 with a retail value of $29,900. The grand prize will be displayed on land during the sailboat show.

While Beneteau has been manufacturing sailboats and powerboats for over 130 years, Beneteau’s production facility in Marion, South Carolina, officially started operations in 1986. Today, the plant counts 145 employees and continues to produce 7 Beneteau models; including the First 22, which was developed in collaboration with the American Sailing Association and launched last year. The plant also manufactures six Oceanis models ranging from 31 to 45 feet for distribution in the Americas.

Designed to help commemorate three decades of craftsmanship and excellence in the US, the First 22 Giveaway is part of a yearlong celebration. “As a leader in recreational boating, we feel it is Beneteau’s responsibility to continue to invest in the development of entry-level sailing vessels that make sailing more fun and more approachable. Our goal with the First 22 Giveaway is two-fold: celebrate our 30-year Anniversary of boat building in Marion with a splash and give awareness to this fantastic starter boat that we know will attract newcomers to sailing,” commented Laurent Fabre, President of Beneteau America.

“The First 22 is a true milestone for Beneteau. For the first time, a boat is developed for a specific market and built solely outside our European factories. Traditionally, Beneteau starts out building a new boat in Europe then exports extra sets of molds to build the same model in our factories overseas – like in the US or Brazil,” explained Fabre. “We are excited to show the American public that Beneteau is more than ever dedicated to serving their needs. And thirty years later, we are still listening.”

The First 22 Giveaway is already attracting tremendous interest with a boost in online ticket purchases for the United States Sailboat Show. The First 22 Giveaway is open to any person (excluding citizens of Quebec), 21 years of age or older as of August 27th, 2015. Limited to one entry per person. No purchase necessary to enter. Beneteau America and the United States Sailboat Show are co-sponsoring the Giveaway. The Promotion Period began August 27th and will end October 12th at the end of the show. The winner will be selected by a random drawing at Beneteau’s headquarters in Annapolis, MD on or about October 21st, 2015. Anyone interested in entering may do so during the boat show. Read Official Rules available on the Beneteau America web site at www.BeneteauAmerica.com/Rules .

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