Partnership also Includes Collection of Official Apparel

January 1999

For the third time in a decade, Columbia Sportswear Company® (COLM: Nasdaq) has been chosen to outfit an America’s Cup team with its high-performance, functional outdoor gear. Columbia, a leader in the active outdoor industry, recently announced that it has signed a major partnership agreement with Hawaii’s America’s Cup Challenge Aloha Racing. In addition to outfitting the team in its weatherproof apparel, Columbia will also design and market a collection of Official Aloha Racing apparel through retailers around the globe. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to be back and involved with such a prestigious and exciting challenge and with a strong organization like Aloha Racing,” said Thomas Miller, Columbia’s promotions manager. “Columbia’s mission is to provide outdoor apparel that the Team can count on to perform in a variety of weather conditions. We are confident that the Aloha Racing team will be thrilled with the performance of our apparel as they train and eventually compete for the 2000 Cup. And consumers will feel like they are part of the world’s oldest competitive trophy sport wearing our collection of official gear.”

The Aloha Racing syndicate is constructing two international America’s Cup Class yachts, and Columbia will outfit the team sailing Abracadabra 2000. Sailing veteran John Kolius and his experienced team will wear highly functional weatherproof jackets, pants and accessories from Columbia’s Spring and Fall 1999 collections.

“We are very excited that Columbia Sportswear Company® has selected Aloha Racing as their America’s Cup partner,” noted Aloha Racing Foundation Chairman, and internationally renowned Healthsouth orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. “Aside from providing the best gear for our crew, Columbia also brings to Aloha Racing one of the best known and highly respected sportswear brands on the planet.”

The official Aloha Racing apparel to be licensed will include outerwear, sportswear and accessories. Consumers should look for the Abracadabra Windbreaker, Parka and Pant, all made of highly weather-resistant HydroPlus™; the Abracadabra Team Fleece Vest, a sweatshirt, and other casual tops and accessories.

America’s Cup XXX will take place in Auckland, New Zealand beginning October 1999. The Aloha Racing team will compete against as many as 15 other challengers from around the globe for the prestigious America’s Cup.

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company® is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the Company has developed an international reputation by expanding its product line, emphasizing quality, performance, functionality and value. Columbia is internationally known for its performance-oriented apparel as well as for its marketing campaign featuring Columbia's Chairwoman of the board and official "Tough Mother," Gert Boyle. To learn more about Columbia Sportswear, please visit the Company’s web site at www.columbia.com.