[2] SailNet, the Internet Destination for Sailors, Acquires JSI Marine Supplier.

Sports &Sailing Editors/Interactive &Multimedia Writers

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.--(BW SportsWire)--Jan. 20, 2000

SailNet, the Internet destination for sailors, has acquired JSI (formerly Johnson Sails, Inc.) of St. Petersburg, Florida. The announcement was made by SailNet CEO Sam Boyle at SAIL EXPO in Atlantic City.

&uot;Customer satisfaction with online commerce isn't just a matter of conveniently finding what you want. The key is in prompt delivery of the products and services -- how quickly you receive the items you ordered,&uot; explained Boyle. &uot;When you own the facility and you own the inventory, you can control the quality of service. Other companies that fulfill orders through third-party vendors can't control their quality of service in the same way.&uot;

JSI, an international wholesale and retail mail-order company, is known as the largest sailboat-only supplier. Products include spars, sails and canvas, electronics, hardware and a huge selection from any sailor's &uot;wish list.&uot;

&uot;The union is a good one that ultimately benefits the consumer,&uot; commented Tom Wood, who formerly worked as JSI's Senior Project Manager and now serves as SailNet's Editorial Director. &uot;JSI has always prided itself on staying current with technology and trends; SailNet is obviously committed to being the easiest, most dependable online source for all kinds of sailing needs.&uot;

Customers can now conveniently visit www.sailnet.com seven days a week, 24-hours a day to place orders, check stock, and track delivery status. Customers can also pick up the phone and get advice from some of the marine industry's most experienced staff. SailNet's strategy has been to hire people who are experienced sailors with established track records in the sailing industry in order to maintain strong relationships with both consumers and the marine trade.

In addition to retail items, SailNet is a resource for finding anything related to sailing: new and used boats, financing, insurance, cruising destinations, mooring reservations, race results, and safety tips. Chat rooms, user groups, marine weather, events calendars, and a variety of search vehicles are easily at hand for people who love sailing. SailNet, based in Charleston, South Carolina, has hired some of the industry's top sailing journalists who keep viewers up to date through exclusive articles on the latest sailing news and trends. Explore the Internet destination that's 100% pure sailing at www.sailnet.com