FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Dick Hildebrand
Yale Cordage, Inc.
207-282-3396

YALE CORDAGE INTRODUCES THE WORLD'S STRONGEST ROPE

Innovative Zylon(r) PBO fiber braid earns Yale PoBOn distinction as the world's strongest rope

Biddeford, Maine, May 30, 2000 - In an announcement today, Yale Cordage introduced PoBOn, a new high strength, high performance braided rope crafted of Zylon PBO fiber. The new rope, designed for both high-end sailing and industrial applications, has earned the distinction as the strongest braid ever made.

"Because Zylon PBO fiber boasts such incredible strength characteristics, it seemed like a logical match for some of our customers' higher intensity applications," said Yale Vice President Dick Hildebrand. "Our developers dedicated a lot of their time and expertise to pioneer its use in a braided rope - and the results have exceeded our expectations. After intensive testing, no other rope on the market measures up to PoBOn's strength. Diameter for diameter, even steel cable doesn't compare."

According to Hildebrand, PoBOn's appeal isn't limited to its strength. "Strength to weight ratios aside, PoBOn's overall performance is just as exceptional. It demonstrates extremely low stretch, and absolutely no creep - characteristics that really matter in extreme situations. Currently, the NYYC/Young America Challenge America's Cup Team Young America is sailing with PoBOn, where light weight and high performance mean everything. Even under the most adverse conditions, its performance is impressive."

Until PBO production is increased, however, PoBOn's availability may prove limited. "Because PBO is new to the market, it's high on cost, and short on supply," explained Hildebrand. "We're purchasing as much as we can, but demand for PoBOn is already beginning to outpace supply - despite its price tag."

Created for use on high performance racing boats of all sizes and a variety of industrial applications, PoBOn is available in diameters ranging from 1/8" (5000 lbs.) to 2" (1,000,000 lbs).

Yale Cordage is a Biddeford, Maine-based company celebrating 50 years of high
technology rope manufacturing. In addition to an established reputation in high end racing circles, Yale manufactures specialized ropes for pleasure marine, industrial, arborist and research use.

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