Garmin® Introduces the GHP™ 12 Sailboat Autopilot System

Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation*, is proud to announce the GHP 12 sailboat autopilot system – bringing robust performance and sophisticated control capabilities to 20 to 70 foot sailboats equipped with linear-actuated steering systems.

The GHP 12 is a below-deck autopilot system that acts as a second set of hands aboard your vessel. This new system is available with two linear drive options: the Class A Drive unit for sailboats with up to 28,500 pounds of displacement, or the Class B Drive Unit for larger sailboats with up to 79,000 pounds of displacement.

For optimal performance, the GHP 12 features a built-in gyro that maintains precise turn response and control stability. In addition, the integrated rudder feedback ensures ease of installation and exceptional reliability. And the GHP 12 offers minimal power consumption to conserve onboard power systems. Unit

Sailors can expect Garmin simplicity when it comes to configuring and controlling their autopilot as well. With a 3.5-inch full-colour display, the GHC™ 10 is a dedicated autopilot control unit designed to engage and disengage the GHP 12 autopilot. Three GHC 10 controllers can be interfaced to a single GHP 12, allowing autopilot functionality at a remote location on the boat.

Nigel Craine, Garmin’s marine product manager said “The GHP 12 is the evolution of the reputable GHP 10 autopilot system, introducing key benefits sailors have requested.” He went on to say, “By adding two linear drive options and updated sailing-specific software, the GHP 12 will bring Garmin’s leading autopilot technology to the sailboat market, and will address the needs of our loyal sailing customers.”

When interfaced with Garmin’s GWS™ 10 or other compatible wind sensor, GPS and network electronics, the GHP 12 can support workload-saving features such as heading hold, wind hold, step turns, tack/gybe, MFD route following and more. In addition, this new system features sailing-specific software and employs the industry-standard NMEA 2000 interface, ensuring ease of installation and network access to autopilot heading data.

Visit http://www.garmin.com/sites/uk/products/marine-products/ for more information, pricing and availability.

*According to Canalys report for sat nav sales made in 2009

About Garmin
 
The global leader in satellite navigation, Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries have designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications since 1989 – most of which are enabled by GPS technology.  Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information visit Garmin's media centre at http://garmin.blogs.com/ukpr. Garmin is a registered trademark and GHP, GHC and GWS are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.  All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Notice on forward-looking statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. All statements regarding the company’s future product introductions are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2009 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 000-31983). A copy of Garmin’s Form 10-K can be downloaded at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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