31/08/2015

MasterCraft Redefines Sophistication and Performance With New X26

VONORE, Tenn., Aug. 25, 2015 -- MasterCraft (NASDAQ:MCFT) today unveiled the new X26, the latest addition to its innovative 2016 boat line that delivers a category-defining balance of luxury, power and playfulness. In a class of its own, the X26 delivers an elevated experience on the water through high-end, refined features and upscale amenities coupled with MasterCraft's legendary towsports performance.

Handcrafted in MasterCraft's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in Vonore, Tenn., the finer elements of the X26 create the ultimate vessel that delivers all-day recreation, luxury and comfort on the water. Every square inch of the boat, down to the smallest detail, has been masterfully built using nothing less than premium materials including precision-cut fiberglass, hand stitched upholstery, industry-leading gelcoat gloss levels and retention as well as jewel-like billet aluminum.

The X26's roomy interior offers a highly adaptable layout that quickly morphs from an intimate setting to a spacious lounge capable of accommodating a guest list of eighteen. Designed with entertaining in mind, the X26 has an optional head, built-in sink, refrigerator, multiple Igloo® coolers, hidden trash receptacles and gas-assisted shocks providing one-handed access to storage compartments.
Built for the family embarking on an all-day cruise that can also take performance to the next level, the X26 opens up new recreational horizons with its agility and profound wake shaping capabilities.

The boat debuts a completely redesigned hull shape including an unprecedented draft height and dead rise that enables it to easily outmaneuver similarly sized boats. Its 2,800-pound built-in rotocast ballast tank capacity helps create world-class wakeboarding while the award-winning Gen 2 Surf System and new hull design kicks up endless epic surf waves.

The boat responds to nearly every need at the touch of a button thanks to an intuitive optional Murphy touchscreen that controls everything from the size and shape of the wave to the premium light and sound systems. From steady cruising to hanging it up for the day, the process is as hands-off as it can be thanks to MasterCraft's optional GPS-assisted ZeroOff cruise control and proprietary bow thruster that allows for effortless docking.

The X26 is powered by a 6.2L Ilmor engine with a 7.4L upgrade also available, both delivering 20% more torque than the closest competitor. Marinized exclusively for MasterCraft by Ilmor, these engines are built in the same factory responsible for more than 280 IndyCar wins and 18 victories at the Indianapolis 500.

Prone to personalization from its color packages to GoPro-ready camera mounts, all told there are millions of ways to customize an X26 - meaning each and every boat is truly one of a kind. As with all MasterCraft boats, the X26 is backed by the industry's only 5-year bow-to-stern warranty. MasterCraft dealers will begin taking orders for the X26 immediately.

Consumers can begin configuring their "dream boat" at www.mastercraft.com and view this video for an up close and personal look at the X26: https://youtu.be/vI5WzrQwsKM.

X26 Specifications:
Length: 26' 0"/7.92 M
Width Amidship: 102"/2.59 M
Boat Weight: 6,700 LBS/3039 KG
Fuel Capacity: 88 G/333 L
Seating: 18 people
Certification: Yacht certified
Weight Capacity: 2003 LBS/908 KG
Draft: 29"/.74 M
Hull: Vector Drive
Color Options: Infinite

About MCBC Holdings, Inc.:

Headquartered in Vonore, Tenn., MCBC Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCFT) is the parent of MasterCraft Boat Company, a world-renowned innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium performance sport boats. Founded in 1968, MasterCraft has cultivated its iconic brand image through a rich history of industry-leading innovation, and more than four decades after the original MasterCraft made its debut the company's goal remains the same - to continue building the world's best ski, wakeboard and luxury performance powerboats.

For more information, visit www.mastercraft.com.

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.
CONTACT: Media contact: Eric Doyne // Dispatch 415.652.8452 // eric@dispatchco.com

Source MCBC Holdings, Inc. through GLOBE NEWSWIRE by press release ©

MiiR Launches Crowdfunding Campaign to Expand Product Offering and Impact

PHOTO BY GREG BALKIN
August 25, 2015 (Seattle, WA) – Seattle-based MiiR, an adventure lifestyle brand, has launched its crowdfunding campaign today to offer exclusive presale access to its new line of bags. With this expansion of the product offering, MiiR will also be expanding its impact adding education initiatives to the already existing clean water and bicycle programs.

MiiR’s collection of bags will include four styles –  a 25 liter backpack, 20 liter roll top, 18 liter tote and a 1 liter pouch- each designed with versatility and function in mind so wearers can seamlessly transition between environments. The nylon exterior is durable and sleek with reflective trims, while the neoprene and coated nylon interiors are protective all neatly packaged up with sealed zippers.

Just as the purchase of every MiiR hydration vessel provides clean water to someone in need, and the purchase of every MiiR bike helps provides a bike to a person in need of access to employment or school, every new MiiR bag will empower students with access to education. Education breaks the cycle of poverty, provides new ways of problem solving, and equips students to develop and achieve dreams. With this motivation, MiiR designed a line of bags made to go where you go and empower your daily endeavors.

MiiR partners with nonprofit organizations that invest in global educational programs. These programs align with MiiR’s goals of investing in projects of infrastructure, learning resources (such as curriculum, in-school meal programs, etc), student scholarships and teacher development.

To support the campaign and preorder a bag, visit miir.com/education. Consumers will also be able to view a video on the collection and read more about the technical specs and impact. Backers will be the first to receive the new bags, available at a discounted price for the first 60 days of pre-sale.

https://vimeo.com/136256498

For further information, please visit www.miir.com/education or contact:
Jenny Cavaioli
Elle Communications (on behalf of MiiR)
jenny@ellecomm.com

About MiiR

Since 2010, MiiR has been united around the simple idea of creating amazing products that change the world. Their goal is to produce highly functional, aesthetically beautiful gear that serves a two-fold purpose: to allow people to get out and explore the world around them, and in turn help support people in need by providing access to empowering solutions. MiiR is dedicated to this social entrepreneurship model – uniting peoples’ wants with others’ needs. With every MiiR hydration vessel purchased, one person in need is provided access to clean drinking water for one year. With every MiIR bicycle purchased, another is given to a person in need. MiiR will soon be expanding their product and giving line to include bags and education.
 


Amer Sports is equipped for accelerated growth

"Our cash flow and balance sheet are not barriers for growth, and our long-term funding is in place to enable acceleration", said CFO Jussi Siitonen in Amer Sports Capital Markets Day in Helsinki on August 27.

According to Amer Sports´ new financial targets, the net sales in 2020 must be at least 3.5 billion Euros.

"This means that we are back on the path of accelerated growth. The CAGR will be at least 6.5%",

Siitonen pointed out.

With regard to profit, the focus is on continuous improvement.

"The annual EBIT growth must be ahead of our net sales growth meaning the target is to improve profitability every year."

According to Siitonen, Amer Sports has steadily built its capabilities and platforms for accelerated growth.

"We are not the same company we were in 2010, and we know how to run the machine. We have driven integration so it provides benefits for the core businesses and the five selected growth areas, and our scalable model delivers profitability improvement."

Since 2010 Amer Sports has made roughly 100 million Euros investments in Apparel and Footwear, USA, China and Business to Consumers.

"Now these investments in platforms and capabilities are largely completed. Our next strategic investments are primarily targeted to Connected Devices and Services."

Siitonen pointed out that acceleration drives not only higher profitability, but also asset efficiency.

"We have already improved our Group capital turnover from 1.5x in 2009 to 1.8x in 2015. The old glidepath would have improved our turnover only marginally. Now, with the new glidepath, we are aiming at turnover of over 2x."

According to Siitonen, the growth of selected areas leads also to a better balance of the company structure and therefore lower risk.

"In 2009, the sales of Footwear and Apparel were less than 20% of our topline and Winter Sports Equipment 25%. At the end of our new glidepath, Footwear and Apparel are over 40% of our sales, Winter Sport Equipment 10%."

How well is Amer Sports equipped for the growth?

"Our cash flow and balance sheet are not barriers for growth. Also, our long-term funding is in place to enable acceleration."

"We can secure organic growth, maintain sustainable dividend growth and also enable acquisitions",

Siitonen concluded.

Watch Jussi Siitonen’s CMD presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7xLupUkRME

Source Amer Sports

Skechers Performance Becomes Title Sponsor of Los Angeles Marathon

Global Leader in Performance Footwear Signs Multi-Year Agreement Commencing with the 2016 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon

LOS ANGELES-- LA MARATHON LLC and Skechers Performance, which is a division of Skechers USA, Inc. (NYSE:SKX), today announced a multi-year partnership, with Skechers Performance becoming the official title sponsor of the Los Angeles Marathon. The two Los Angeles-based companies have teamed up for the city’s biggest running event, now the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon, which will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2016. Registration for the race will open on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. 


As title sponsor of the race, Skechers Performance will have a prominent presence at all marathon week activities including the Los Angeles Marathon Health & Fitness Expo, where Skechers Performance will sell official race merchandise featuring the newly created Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon event logo. Additionally, Skechers Performance will outfit course volunteers and staff, and provide finishers’ shirts for all runners. Comprehensive and integrated Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon marketing and communications initiatives leading up to and during the race will include the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon website (lamarathon.com) and app.

“Partnering with the Los Angeles Marathon is a strategic step forward for our company and the Performance Division,” said Michael Greenberg, president of SKECHERS. “As a Los Angeles-based business, we have always wanted to be a part of this iconic race since we began developing our performance footwear division and we could not be more thrilled to join the Los Angeles Marathon as title sponsor.”

“Much like the City of Los Angeles itself, Skechers is an iconic, global, and stylish brand and we are extremely pleased to announce this new partnership on the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon,” said Tracey Russell, Chief Executive of LA MARATHON LLC. “Skechers has achieved prominence across the global endurance sports market and we look forward to delivering a world-class marathon experience together here in Los Angeles and to collaborating on exciting new initiatives across the U.S. and around the world.”

The Skechers Performance title sponsorship comes on the heels of the historic 30th edition Los Angeles Marathon in 2015. Not only did registration sell out for the third straight year, but the race also played host to the 2015 USA Track & Field Marathon Championships, where top American elite athletes vied for a record prize purse of $150,000. The iconic “Stadium to the Sea” course continues to surge in popularity both nationally and internationally, attracting runners from all 50 states and more than 55 countries all over the world, bringing the race to prominence as one of the five largest marathons in the U.S. and one of the 10 largest worldwide.

The title sponsorship of the Los Angeles Marathon builds upon Skechers Performance’s U.S. marathon portfolio. Currently, the brand serves as the official footwear and apparel sponsor for the Chevron Houston Marathon and sponsors elite marathon runners Meb Keflezighi and Kara Goucher. Meb has raced in several high-profile events wearing Skechers Performance footwear, including his monumental win at the 2014 Boston Marathon racing in his namesake shoe, the Skechers GOmeb Speed 3. Next year, Meb will compete in Los Angeles wearing the new Skechers GOmeb Speed 3 – 2016 at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men’s and Women’s Marathon on Saturday, February 13, 2016, the day before the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon.

For more information on the 2016 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon, please visit www.lamarathon.com. For additional information on Skechers Performance, please visit www.GOskechers.com or follow the brand on Facebook (facebook.com/SkechersPerformance), Twitter (twitter.com/skechersGO) and Instagram (instagram.com/skechersperformance).
 
About LA MARATHON LLC
 
LA MARATHON LLC, a subsidiary of McCourt Global, creates world-class experiences that ignite passion in athletes and connect communities through the transformative power of sport. The Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon is among the largest marathons in the country with more than 26,000 participants, thousands of volunteers and hundreds of thousands of spectators. The “Stadium to the Sea” course, starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing near the Santa Monica Pier, is one of the most scenic in the world, taking runners on a tour of Los Angeles past every major landmark. LA MARATHON LLC will host the 2016 Olympic Team Trials for Men’s and Women’s Marathon, awarded by USA Track & Field and the United States Olympic Committee, which will take place in Los Angeles February 13, 2016.

For more information, please visit www.lamarathon.com.
 
About SKECHERS USA, Inc.

SKECHERS USA, Inc., based in Manhattan Beach, California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle footwear for men, women and children, as well as performance footwear for men and women. Skechers footwear is available in the United States and over 120 countries and territories worldwide via department and specialty stores, more than 1,050 Skechers retail stores, and Skechers’ e-commerce website. Skechers manages its international business through a network of global distributors, joint venture partners in Asia, and 12 wholly-owned subsidiaries in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Japan and throughout Europe.

For more information, please visit skechers.com and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/SKECHERS) and Twitter (twitter.com/SKECHERSUSA).

This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Skechers’ future growth, financial results and operations, its development of new products, future demand for its products and growth opportunities, its planned opening of new stores, advertising and marketing initiatives, and the expansion plans for Skechers’ European Distribution Center. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking language such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will result,” “could,” “may,” “might,” or any variations of such words with similar meanings. Any such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include international economic, political and market conditions including the uncertainty of sustained recovery in Europe; entry into the highly competitive performance footwear market; sustaining, managing and forecasting costs and proper inventory levels; losing any significant customers; decreased demand by industry retailers and cancellation of order commitments due to the lack of popularity of particular designs and/or categories of products; maintaining brand image and intense competition among sellers of footwear for consumers; anticipating, identifying, interpreting or forecasting changes in fashion trends, consumer demand for the products and the various market factors described above; sales levels during the spring, back-to-school and holiday selling seasons; and other factors referenced or incorporated by reference in Skechers’ annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2015. The risks included here are not exhaustive. Skechers operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time and the companies cannot predict all such risk factors, nor can the companies assess the impact of all such risk factors on their respective businesses or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Moreover, reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance.


Contacts
For SKECHERS USA, Inc. / Molly Biddiscombe, 212-796-9826
molly.biddiscombe@ketchum.com
or
Jolene Abbott, 310-318-3100 x 4839 / jolenea@skechers.com


Source Skechers through BUSINESS WIRE by press release © 

First 22 Giveaway Kicks-off Beneteau’s “30 Years in the USA” Campaign

ANNAPOLIS, Md., August 28, 2015 – 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


Source Beneteau US ©

BRP TO PRESENT ITS SECOND-QUARTER RESULTS

Valcourt, Québec, August 27, 2015– BRP Inc. (TSX:DOO) will hold its second-quarter results conference call for fiscal year 2016 on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 9 a.m. (EDT). José Boisjoli, president and chief executive officer, and Sébastien Martel, chief financial officer, will discuss the results and address questions from analysts on a conference call.

Media and interested participants may access this call on a listen-only mode. The press release on the second-quarter results for fiscal year 2016 will be distributed on the Canadian newswire on Friday, September 11 at approximately 7 a.m. EDT. The details of the conference call are as follows:
DATE : Friday, September 11, 2015
HEURE : 9 a.m. (EDT)

This webcast will be live on the Internet here. The presentation will be in English with simultaneous French translation available. A slideshow presentation intendedfor real-time viewing with the conference call will also be available.

Investors and analysts can listen in on the call by dialling one of the following conference call numbers:
Original English version:
Event code : 4222677
514-861-1681 or
1-800-766-6630 (toll-free in North America)
Simultaneous French translation:
Event Code : 4222676
514-392-1478 or
1-866-542-4146 (toll-free in North America)
Replay: An archived audio webcast will be available two hours after the event here for 30 days following the original broadcast.

About BRP

BRP (TSX:DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Can-Am Spyder roadsters, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of over CA$3.5 billion from 107 countries, the Company employs approximately 7,600 people worldwide.

www.brp.com
@BRPnews

Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Rotax, Can-Am, Spyder and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


For media enquiries:
Johanne Denault / Manager, Corporate Communications / Tel.: 450.532.5173
johanne.denault@brp.com                               

For investor relations:
Philippe Deschênes / Financial Analyst / Tel.: 450.532.6462
philippe.deschenes@brp.com


Source BRP by press release ©

SUP Connect Awards Two Boardworks Designs With Gear of the Year

CARLSBAD, Calif. (August 25, 2015) — Boardworks, the manufacturer of high-performance surfboards, standup paddleboards, paddles, and accessories, swept the 2015 SUP Connect Gear of the Year Awards.


“We’re thrilled to receive two awards from SUP Connect,” said Gretchen Gamble, marketing director for Boardworks. “SUP Connect is a defining voice within our industry. We share their passion for the water lifestyle and we’re honored to be recognized by them for our unique, innovative designs.”
Boardworks’ Joy Ride Flow took home Best All-Around SUP with its stable and smooth ride. The stunning, aquamarine yoga-mat inspired pad complements the beautiful bamboo deck, invoking the Zen feel of the yoga lifestyle on the water. The lightweight and user-friendly Sirena scored Best Creative Design thanks to its combination of a curvy, performance hull design with eye-catching graphics that evoke the whirling currents and curling sea spray.

SUP Connect awarded Badfish SUP-designed Badfish MVP (Mountain Valley Paddleboard) with Best River Gear for its whitewater kayak-like design. The innovative hull enables it to excel at navigating chaotic river conditions where more traditional designs are challenged.

SUP Connect holds the distinction of creating the first and original awards to recognize products and people in the SUP industry. SUP Connect considers all of the SUP boards that have been released within the past year for just 10 different Gear of the Year award categories, making Boardworks the brand to take home nearly a third of the possible awards.

About Boardworks®

Based in Carlsbad, C.A., Boardworks is a leader in the surf and standup paddle industries offering innovative and award-winning surfboards, standup paddle (SUP) boards, paddles, and accessories.  Boardworks commitment to building user-friendly performance products, that make your time on the water more enjoyable, is based on an understanding that there are many types of waterways in this world and many different ways to enjoy surfing and stand up paddling. This design approach ensures that you have the perfect board for your next surf or SUP adventure.

Boardworks, part of the Confluence Outdoor family, also designs and distributes surfboards and SUP boards for some of the world’s premier brands including Infinity, Badfish Standup Paddle, Morrelli & Melvin, and Strive, using our proprietary construction technologies. www.boardworkssurf.com

Wilderness Systems · Perception · Dagger · Mad River Canoe · Wave Sport · Harmony · Adventure Technology · Boardworks
Media Contact:
Christina Erb LoVullo
Verde Brand Communications
Confluence@verdepr.com
970.259.3555

Pacific Surf Designs’ Supertube Barreling Wave Debuts at SplashWorld Provence in the South of France

The Supertube is the world’s tallest barreling sheet wave surf simulator, measuring over ten feet in height.

SAN DIEGO--Pacific Surf Designs, Inc., specialists in the design, manufacture, and installation of sheet wave surf simulators, announced its Supertube is now a featured attraction at the largest waterpark in France, SplashWorld Provence, located near Avignon. The Supertube itself has the distinction of being the tallest barreling surf simulator in the world. 

Surrounded by a full restaurant, bar and retail center, the dedicated Supertube area of the park known as the Wave Club allows new riders to learn the basics during the day and morphs into a dance club in the evening featuring various rotating DJs with American and Australian surfing performers putting on nightly shows to the delight of the crowd.

The Supertube’s four pumps are independently controlled, allowing beginners to practice at their own pace on settings ranging from a simulated gentle open-ocean swell up to the full-sized ten foot tall barrel.

“The Supertube opened on time and on budget and it is making quite a splash since we started operating it,” SplashWorld President & CEO Frederic Bouvard said. “We are very pleased with Pacific Surf Designs’ professionalism and dedication and highly recommend any waterpark or other leisure venue developer interested in a surf simulator to consider Pacific Surf Designs.”

Video footage of the Supertube may be viewed here: https://youtu.be/wqtDNg1ysbE

ABOUT PACIFIC SURF DESIGNS 

PACIFIC SURF DESIGNS, INC. (www.pacificsurfdesigns.com) manufactures only the highest quality sheet wave surf simulators serving the waterpark, leisure, entertainment and retail industries. Products include the ProFlow, the patented ProFlow Quarterpipe, the patented ProFlow Halfpipe, and the Supertube. The company is based in San Diego, CA with customers all over the world.



Contacts
Pacific Surf Designs, Inc.
Richard Alleshouse, +1.858.699.4844
richard@pacificsurfdesigns.com


Source Pacific surf Designs through Business Wire by press release ©