Alinghi and Wenger: a collaboration between two powerful Swiss teams

Transcription

1 Alinghi and Wenger: a collaboration between two powerful Swiss teams All images and press releases are available at the following address: Delémont, March 14 th, 2007 Information Peter Hug, CEO Tel. : Fax : peter.hug@wenger.ch

2 Alinghi and Wenger: a collaboration between two powerful Swiss teams Alinghi and Wenger manufacturer of the genuine Swiss army knife have signed an official supplier and a licence agreement. Thus two of Switzerland's most powerful symbols are joining forces: the defender of the America's Cup and the famous Swiss army knife, red with a white cross. This union has given to birth a knife specially designed for sailors: the Alinghi knife from Wenger. This model of Swiss precision has functions that are essential for any yachtsman. It is the outcome of the co-operation between two teams who ride two parallel waves high-tech for one and high-mech for the other. The two companies have so much in common: the same requirements for precision, the same dedication to quality in their daily work, the constant search for the best possible solution, a home in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and, for both of them, an internationally famous image. While one makes the most of state-of-the-art technologies high-tech the other, Wenger, operates in the field of high precision mechanics high-mech. Building on this shared identity, Alinghi and Wenger decided to conclude an official supplier and a licence agreement for the 32 nd America's Cup, which is being staged in Valencia, Spain. The Swiss army knife joins the Alinghi crew This collabotation has given to birth a spectacular new product: the Alinghi sailor s knife of Wenger. When you look at the hull of the boat and the knife, you will notice a number of similarities. The line, first of all, powerful and thoroughbred: you can make out the silhouette of a shark, with its fin sticking out of the water as the knife. Then, they both are powerfully cutting through the waves; and, last, they have similar colours. But what takes precedence for both of them alike is the function. The new knife boasts a wide range of features that are essential for any yachtsman. Developed with Alinghi This special-edition sailor s knife has been developed in conjunction with Alinghi, who drew up the specifications. Wenger designers have reworked the geometry of the blade to achieve greater resistance. Given its intended use in a salty environment, the knife has been subjected to stringent anti-corrosion tests performed by Empa, the Swiss national materials testing lab. The intermediate plates made of aluminium have been treated with new anti-corrosive agents.

3 Picture Alinghi and Wenger: a collaboration between two powerful Swiss teams.

4 Picture «The Swiss knife is more than just a symbol, it is a condensed of Swiss values: accuracy and intelligence, reliability and functionality With Alinghi, we share these values. Alinghi and Wenger: a strong team!»

5 The Alinghi knife from Wenger Product features A main serrated blade providing greater effectiveness. The end features a standard cutting edge. The blade has a safety lock. Once opened, it locks to lie flush with the handle, and can be released by pressing on the Swiss cross. Yachting use: in case of emergency, a yachtsman can sever cordage immediately. Single-hand opening When circumstances require, the yachtsman can open the knife with a single hand thanks to the opening mechanism located at the base of the blade a shark's fin. Shackle opener Used to open shackles (type of hook with a pin). Marlin spike Used for splicing (joining two ropes by interlacing their strands). Ruler in both centimetres and inches Universal pliers, 100% flexible, with pointed ends A jack of all trades. The serrated edges make it possible to pick up small items. The largest teeth can be used as nut wrench. A wire-cutter is included at the base of the pliers. The pointed ends can also be used to slacken cordage. Three screwdrivers. Two self-locking, flat screwdrivers, one Wenger patent and one cruciform Philips screwdriver. A cap lifter Texture of the handle. Ribbed with a criss-cross structure at the front and a wingwalk structure at the rear ensuring a really good grip. The contours of the handle have been enhanced to improve their ergonomics. Logo: Swiss cross. Also used as a button to release the blade Length open: 220 mm closed: 120 mm

6 On race The new Alinghi knife from Wenger continues the long tradition of the Swiss army knife, packing the greatest number of useful features into the smallest possible space. Each member of Alinghi will receive one of these knives before taking off for the cup. Let's hope that this Swiss symbol will bring good luck to the Alinghi Team. Alinghi 176 Tool s Functions: Single, or two hands opening serrated blade with safety lock system (patented) Shackle opener / Marlin spike / Ruler inch/cm / Needle Flat screwdriver with safety lock system (exclusivity) / Cap lifter / Wire bender Flat screwdriver 3.5mm with safety lock system (exclusivity) Reamer / Eye Phillips screwdriver Fine nose pliers / Wire-cutter / Nut wrench Length: open: 220mm, closed: 120mm 18 functions

7 The NewRanger collection Starting from the new Alinghi knife, Wenger has developed a complete collection of knives for specific use. Rugged and safe, these models are intended for hunters, fishermen, walkers and handymen, no matter what their standard. NewRanger 151 Functions/Tools: Single hand opening serrated blade with safety lock system (patented) 3 functions NewRanger 155 Functions/Tools: Standard serrated blade with safety lock system (patented) Flat screwdriver with safety lock system (exclusivity) / Cap lifter / Wire bender Reamer / Awl with sewing Eye Corkscrew Can opener Wood saw 11 functions NewRanger 74 Functions/Tools: Standard blade with safety lock system (patented) Flat screwdriver with safety lock system (exclusivity) / Cap lifter / Wire bender Reamer / Awl with sewing Eye Corkscrew Can opener Fine nose pliers / Wire-cutter / Nut wrench Ring 13 functions Swiss legislation Points of sale Swiss legislation places a restriction on the sale of knives with a mechanism enabling them to be opened with a single hand. Such knives may only be sold by registered arms distributors. The Alinghi and NewRanger models that require two hands to open are can be obtained from any of our regular outlets.