Rocket Boats Introduces the New Rocket 22 Sportboat Designed for Winning Performance, Maximum Fun and Total Control. A Serious Contender in the International High Performance Sportboat Class.

Vancouver, B.C., November 2nd, 2004 - Rocket Boats Inc. (www.rocketboats.com) is pleased to announce the introduction of the brand new Rocket 22, a stable and crew friendly 22 foot high performance sailing sportboat. The Rocket 22 is based on the Pocket Rocket originally conceived by Gary Mull and has been completely updated and refined by internationally respected Canadian designer, sailor and America's Cup Class Measurer, Don Martin.

The Rocket 22 is a highly competitive sportboat with excellent all round sailing characteristics. The design and layout provides amazing stability ensuring practical utility with outstanding crew comfort. With a completely new rig, sail plan and cockpit the Rocket 22 has been designed for maximum performance on all points of sail and promises to be a very competitive performer. In addition to being fully optimized for top racing performance, the Rocket 22 also offers genuine cruising capabilities with four adult sized berths in a refreshingly spacious cabin.

The Rocket 22 is being introduced to fill a gap in the market for an affordable, stable and exhilarating high performance sport boat with comfortable overnight accommodation. The sleek modern design incorporates a contemporary cockpit, with concealed control lines similar to custom Grand Prix boats. The Rocket 22 has an almost minimalist appearance. One look and you will know this is the coolest boat in the marina. A powerful new rig and sail plan, coupled with amazing stability, promises an adrenaline pumping ride for the crew under all conditions on any point of sail.
Don Martin, head of the Rocket Boats design team commented, "Our design work on the Rocket 22 has pushed hard into a new zone of the performance sailing envelope. Rather than relying on extreme light weight and low drag for performance, we have concentrated on maximizing sail area and stability to produce a boat which promises exceptional performance on all points of sail, particularly upwind. The Rocket 22 will respond quickly and precisely during each maneuver giving the crew a feeling of total control at all times."

Martin was particularly enthusiastic about the cockpit and deck layout, "I was given completely free reign in this area and am very pleased with the result. The deck setup is unique for this kind of boat and shows a level of detail and sophistication normally seen only in large custom Grand Prix race boats." Martin continued, "I believe the Rocket 22 will lead the way into a new style of performance sailing. This boat will provide many years of exciting sailing for a large number of racing sailors."
The Rocket 22 One Design Class rules will address two main areas. First, strict controls are placed on each factor that influences performance. Second, realizing that most teams enjoy the challenge of optimizing their boats to suit local conditions and their sailing styles, the rules will allow for some latitude in hardware arrangement and boat setup. Rigidly controlled building tolerances for the hull, deck, keel and rudder will ensure repeatable build accuracy meaning that your Rocket 22 will have identical speed and performance potential as the boats being sailed by the class experts.
Rocket 22 hulls, decks and composite parts are laid up to exacting standards and vacuum bagged for rigidity, strength and optimal weight distribution. The overall construction system, combined with the deep bulb keel, ensures a strong and powerful boat. Carbon fiber reinforcing is used at critical load points including the transom hung rudder. The Rocket 22 incorporates a simple retractable keel system for easy trailering and ramp launching. Molded in non-skid is used in the cockpit and other working areas to ensure maximum crew safety.

The carbon fiber mast is by Hall Spars of Rhode Island. The rig benefits from swept-back spreaders, short-footed headsails and no running backstays to provide a simple, competitive and economic solution. Borrowing from America's Cup boats, the Rocket 22 incorporates an elegantly simple mast jack system allowing the crew to optimize rig tension as sailing conditions change. The Rocket 22 comes standard with either a symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnaker set up, and includes the option of having both configurations for optimal downwind performance.

The Rocket 22 is currently in production with deliveries scheduled for early in 2005. With a base starting price of US$34,950.00 the Rocket 22 is very competitively priced relative to its peer group. Rocket Boats is currently offering an Introductory Discount of 15% off the base price including all options. For more information, and to review the new Rocket 22 in more detail, please visit our website at www.rocketboats.com

Contact Information:

Anthony Dutton
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
adutton@rocketboats.com
Toll Free 866.379.SAIL (7245)
Local 604.264.SAIL (7245)
Cell 604.649.7787