For Immediate Release

ALDEN YACHTS UNVEILS NEW 55 SAILBOAT BY BILL COOK

September 17, 2005: Today, at the Newport Boat Show, Alden Yachts unveiled plans for a new sailboat model. The design, a 55-foot center cockpit, is the work of Bill Cook. Cook is designer of three-time Maxi winner Matador, and the New York 36, the largest one-design fleet sponsored by the New York Yacht Club.

Construction is currently under way with hull #1 scheduled to debut at next year’s Newport Boat Show. This is the first collaboration between Cook and Alden Yachts in what promises to be a mix of high performance and classic aesthetic.

Bill Cook states, “We maximized the waterline to increase her performance without going to an extreme that would compromise her traditional lines. We carried her ample beam aft, which provides a large functional cockpit, as well as generous space below. Below the waterline,we gave her a fairly modern keel and rudder and a deep and sea-kindly underbody. I have done this on other yachts and it has worked quite well for blue water sailors.”

David MacFarlane, President of Alden Yachts, on the first new sailboat design for Alden Yachts in some years: “The size, style and performance characteristics of the 55 is not a coincidence. The big questions always are, what is the optimal size yacht? and what should be considered in executing its build? One of the great aspects of our collaboration with Bill is that we were able to bring together his years of design experience with our own vast building (and sailing) experience and really commit to creating a great yacht. At 55 feet, we were able to provide a yacht large enough to be comfortable during extended cruising, yet small enough for a couple to easily manage without crew.”

In addition to the 55 center cockpit, designs are in the works for aft cockpit and pilothouse models. For more information regarding the Alden Yachts 55, please contact Alden Yachts today at 401.683.4200 or email at press@aldenyachts.com. Bill Cook can be reached at Cook Yacht Design, 508.771.8911.