Ocean Race Leader Expected To Arrive In Wellington
AMERICAN SKIPPER BRAD VAN LIEW EXPECTED TO REACH
WELLINGTON EARLY SUNDAY MORNING AND CLAIM VICTORY IN OCEAN
SPRINT TWO
What: Solo sailor
Brad Van Liew is currently predicted to arrive in
Wellington, New Zealand, early on Sunday on his 60ft yacht,
Le Pingouin. Van Liew, who departed from Cape Town, South
Africa, on December 16th, will be the first skipper to
finish the tough Southern Ocean leg after more than 30 days
alone at sea. Having won the first Ocean Sprint from France,
the American will remain at the top the race leader board
The VELUX 5 OCEANS is a solo, round-the-world yacht race which started in La Rochelle, France on October 17th. Considered The Ultimate Solo Challenge, the race covers five gruelling ocean sprints over nine months.
When: Brad Van Liew is expected to arrive in
Wellington early on Sunday. Journalists can sign up for an
SMS alert system – please e-mail your cell phone number to
wellington@velux5oceans.com
Who: Brad Van Liew, 42, hails from California
but now lives in Charleston (South Carolina). An adrenalin
junkie and qualified pilot, he is the father of two young
children who are also travelling the world to experience his
adventure. Brad has completed the race twice before and won
his class back in 2002.
http://www.velux5oceans.com/challenge/skippers/their-lifes/brad-van-liew/#/news/his-life/385
Details: Brad will be available to
do phone interviews once he is safely on land
Images: Rights-free photos, audio and video footage will be available to download in high-resolution: www.w-w-i.com/velux_5_oceans_2010_race/
NOTES TO EDITORS
VELUX 5 OCEANS – The Ultimate Solo Challenge
The VELUX 5 OCEANS is the Ultimate Solo
Challenge, the ultimate human endeavour. More than 500
people have been into space – less than 180 have sailed
round the world solo. The VELUX 5 OCEANS is a series of five
high-pressure ocean sprints within a marathon
30,000-nautical mile circumnavigation. The race, run every
four years since 1982, has a rich heritage which has given
rise to some of the world's best sailors. The VELUX 5 OCEANS
is not only the longest round the world yacht race but at
nearly 30 years old is also the longest running. Always at
the forefront of ocean racing innovation, the 2010/11 VELUX
5 OCEANS will see the premiere of the Eco 60 class of
yachts, pushing a message of sustainability, accessibility
and affordability.
www.velux5oceans.com
About the VELUX Group
The
VELUX Group holds the title sponsorship of VELUX 5 OCEANS
for the second time. The spirit, values and nature of the
race and its skippers are similar to those of the VELUX
Group. As a manufacturer of roof windows, the VELUX Group
employs creativity and an innovative approach to the
development of new products and business strategies. In its
mission to create better living environments with daylight
and fresh air through the roof the Group has earned the
reputation of being one of the strongest brands in the
global building materials sector. The VELUX Group has
manufacturing companies in 11 countries and sales companies
in just under 40 countries, it has about 10,000 employees
and is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company
wholly owned by foundations and family.
www.velux.com
Clipper Ventures Plc
This
year marks 41 years since Sir Robin Knox-Johnston's historic
solo and non-stop circumnavigation in 1969. Now, as Chairman
of Clipper Ventures PLC, he is at the forefront of promoting
round the world yacht racing. Clipper Ventures, the marine
sports company founded in 1995, is focused on developing and
promoting major events capable of attracting significant
participation, income, media coverage and associated
sponsorship revenue. Knox-Johnston founded Clipper Ventures
on the belief that sailing should be made available to
everyone and therefore created the Clipper Round the World
Race, with 2,000 people having now completed one of the
seven races to date.
www.clipper-ventures.com
Race Partners and Suppliers
Transportation Partner, Maersk Line: www.maerskline.com
Start/Finish
Port, La Rochelle (France): www.ville-larochelle.fr / www.agglo-larochelle.fr
Host Ports:
Cape Town, Wellington, Punta Del Este, Charleston
Technical Clothing Supplier: www.henrilloyd.com
Navigation/Routing Supplier: www.maxsea.com
Research Partner,
Portsmouth University: www.port.ac.uk
Sustainability
Partner, Sailors for the Sea: www.sailorsforthesea.org
Marine
Forecast Supplier http://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/
Official Timekeeper: www.nauticawatches.com