EXACT SOFTWARE BECOMES TITLE SPONSOR OF OLYMPIC AND
INTERNATIONAL CLASS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

17 July 2002 (Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.) – The MV02 Organizing Committee has announced that Exact Software has come aboard as title sponsor for the 2002 ISAF (International Sailing Federation) A-Class and Tornado World Championships. The Exact Software 2002 A-Class World Championship is scheduled for September 13-20, followed by the Exact Software 2002 Tornado World Championship from September 21-28. Hosting the events are Edgartown Yacht Club and the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club.

Exact Software is a leader in e-business software solutions with customers in 100 countries. Exact’s mission is to integrate front and back office functionality by delivering the technology that creates new levels of business efficiency and control. "We are very excited that Exact has given its support to Olympic and International class sailing through their sponsorship of the World Championships,” said Michael Grandfield (Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.), President of the International Tornado Class and Co-Chairperson of the MV02 Organizing Committee. “These events will be the first World Championships ever held on the waters of the Vineyard, and will add a prestigious chapter to the island's rich sailing history. Exact Software is a fitting sponsor for the global nature of the Championships."

“We are excited by the opportunity to sponsor one of the world class events in the international sailing community, and the fact that it's right in our own backyard is especially gratifying,” said Eduard Hagens, Chief Executive Officer, Exact Holding, N.V.

Championships Facts:
The Tornado has been the designated equipment for the Olympic multihull event for the past eight quadrenniums. Raced by a two-person crew, this 20-foot catamaran incorporated a new sailplan in 2001 that will make it the fastest boat raced in the Olympic Games. The Exact Software 2002 Tornado World Championship is the first Tornado Qualifiying Event for the 2004 Olympic Games, as countries must now compete to win a limited number of slots to the Olympic Regatta.

The A-Class catamaran is the highest performance single-handed boat sailed anywhere in the world. This 18 footer, made of Kevlar and carbon , weighs only 165 pounds with the sail up! ISAF has stated that the A-Class should be considered for the Olympics in the future.

Competitors representing 25 countries on five continents are expected to compete, with event organizers anticipating upwards of 75 boats in each fleet.

For more information, email: information@mv02.com, or visit www.mv02.com.