Supporting MILAI Sailing Team Aiming to Complete the World's Toughest Yacht Race, the Vendée Globe

Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, President and CEO: Yukio Furuno, hereinafter referred to as "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the MILAI Sailing Team (Skipper: Masatomo Suzuki, commonly known as Masa), who will be challenging the "Vendée Globe," known as the world's toughest yacht race.

The MILAI Sailing Team Skipper Masatomo Suzuki, and the 60-foot yacht IMOCA60 named MILAI 22, equipped with the multi-function display "NavNet TZtouchXL" and other navigation electronic equipment in the cockpit.

The Vendée Globe, held every four years, is scheduled for 2028. Successfully completing it would be a remarkable achievement, making Suzuki the second Japanese person to do so. The Company has previously supported Team MILAI (now MILAI Sailing Team) led by Masatomo Suzuki as a sponsor in the 2019 solo transatlantic yacht race "Mini Transat" and the 2022 double-handed round-the-world yacht race "GLOBE 40." Now, Masatomo Suzuki has announced his challenge for the Vendée Globe 2028, a solo, non-stop, and unassisted round-the-world yacht race considered the pinnacle of offshore yacht racing. The Company will provide comprehensive support, including the provision and customization of navigation electronic equipment. Masatomo Suzuki is pursuing his challenge for the Vendée Globe amidst limited funding and resources, participating in various races to earn qualification while calling for cooperation from companies and individuals. The Company strongly resonates with Suzuki's commitment to expanding his own horizons and will provide support. In November 2026, for the "Route du Rhum" (a solo transatlantic race) which he will participate in to aim for Vendée Globe qualification, the team name will be "MILAI – FURUNO," and the FURUNO logo will be displayed on the boat.

As a company nurtured by the sea for many years, supporting challenges on the marine stage is our mission. We will support the safety and success of this challenge with our technology and passion.

Sponsorship Details

To support this challenge, the Company plans to provide the following navigation electronic equipment and software:

- Radar Sensor: "Model: DRS2D-NXT"

- NavNet TZtouchXL: "Model: TZT10X"

- IP Camera: "Model: FIP-460"

- GPS Navigator: "Model: GP-39"

- NMEA Data Converter: "Model: IF-NMEA2K2"

- Marine Navigation Software: "TZ Professional" (Tee Zee Professional)

Team Name: MILAI - FURUNO (2026 Route du Rhum)

Radar Sensor "Model: DRS2D-NXT" Employs a solid-state semiconductor element. Multi-function display NavNet TZtouchXL "Model: TZT10X" features Target AnalyzerTM function for instant identification of approaching vessels and Fast Target TrackingTM function for immediate acquisition of other vessels. This flagship model in the pleasure market allows for hybrid control via operation keys and multi-touch.

Marine Navigation Software "TZ Professional" Integrates and displays various navigation equipment, featuring an AR navigation system that combines camera images with radar and AIS information. It allows for intuitive monitoring of the movement of vessels and floating objects.

This system is fully supported by our partner company, MaxSea Naval S. L. in France.

Note Article (Umi no Oto)

"A Challenge for the World's Pinnacle Born from Passion: The Origins of Offshore Sailor Masatomo Suzuki Challenging the Vendée Globe" https://note.com/furuno_umi_note/n/n6aaf577e90e5

Profile Introduction

Masatomo Suzuki Born August 12, 1985, from Chiba Prefecture Began sailing in the OP class as a child and belonged to the yacht club in university. Competed in races both domestically and internationally, including the National Sports Festival and the Moth class World Championships. Later transitioned to offshore racing, making his debut in the solo transatlantic race "Mini Transat" in 2019 and the round-the-world race "Globe 40" in 2022 as the first Japanese participant. Steadily gaining experience in offshore sailing, he is now challenging the Vendée Globe.

Yacht Used

Twenty-two yacht owners, inspired by Masatomo Suzuki's aspirations, have invested to acquire a 60-foot IMOCA yacht. The yacht has been named MILAI 22 in gratitude to the supporters. Class: IMOCA60 Yacht Name: MILAI22 Design: Farr Yacht Design Construction: CDK Technologies (France) Launched: 2006 [MILAI Sailing Team] https://milai-sailing.com/

In line with our corporate vision of "Achieving a safe, secure, and comfortable society and navigation that is kind to people and the environment," we will continue to support the endeavors of individuals who take on challenges and forge the future.

As a company nurtured by the sea, we connect the sea to the "future."

By conveying the charm of the sea, we want people to "like" it. Those who come to like it will want to "protect" it. By encouraging more people to take action, we protect the rich natural environment and "connect the sea to the future."

https://future-vision.furuno.co.jp/sea-pulse/

Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.

Since successfully commercializing the world's first fish finder in 1948, we have continued to offer numerous world-first and Japan-first products in the marine electronics field, based on our unique ultrasonic and electronic technologies. Today, we have established a sales network in over 100 countries worldwide, building a solid position and brand as a global comprehensive manufacturer of marine electronic equipment.

Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. Research and Development Building "SOUTH WING"

Headquarters: Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture

Established: 1951 (Showa 26)

Business: Manufacturing and sales of marine and industrial electronic equipment, etc.

Capital: 7,534 million yen

Employees (Consolidated): 3,411

Sales (Consolidated): 140,616 million yen

Representative: Yukio Furuno

Stock Exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market