Velux 5 - Van Liew's Le Pingouin makes SPLASH

With only two months to go until the October 17 start of the Velux 5 Oceans 2010-11 race in La Rochelle, France - the entrant from Charleston has launched his boat. Brad Van Liew will sail his Le Pingouin in the round the world race that is scheduled to have one stop in the Holy City in early 2011, and his Lazarus Project support team has stepped up to outfit the boat and to support his efforts to win the Velux race. The Eco 60 racing yacht had been in Deytens Shipyard for refitting work, but is now moored at the Seabreeze Marina downtown. Van Liew said, "We redesigned the deck and cabin to suit my sailing style and brought every facet up to the highest standards for an oceangoing racer." Some of the sponsors of the sailing effort include B&G autopilots, Samson ropes, Simrad navigation systems, Awlgrip paint, Alpine Aire dehydrated food products and Gill technical wear that is custom made for sailors. David Pritchard is president of Gill NA and said, "Brad has the experience and spirit to win and Gill is proud to align our brand with Team Lazarus." Look for a Bon Voyage send off party for Van Liew on September 2, with Le Pingouin expected to sail for France on Sept 5. As the only U.S. entry in the Velux 5 Oceans Race and the representative for Charleston, expect to follow news of the race on Lowcountry Outdoors until the completion of the solo round-the-world race.

PhotosByTeamLazarus: Le Pingouin hits the water - Look at that keel! ; transom shot; and Brad Van Liew

To view prior Velux 5 Oceans blog entries click here.