Van Liew First to South Africa in VELUX Race

Charleston sailor Brad Van Liew has sailed from La Rochelle, France to Capetown, South Africa in 28 days, 23 hours and 18 minutes - crossing the first leg finish line in first place - with the second place sailor not expected to arrive until Wednesday. Sailing from France on Oct. 17 Van Liew skirted high pressure systems and navigated in 40-knot conditions in his Le Pingouin boat. His Team Lazarus shore crew (wife Meaghan and their two children) are with him in S. Africa and they will prepare him for the next leg of the race sailing to Wellington, New Zealand. The Third leg in this VELUX 5 Oceans race stops in Charleston, South Carolina - and the Lowcountry Outdoors will be on display for race followers around the world.

To read Van Liew's blog about the first leg finish click here.

For prior Velux 5 Oceans blog entries click here.

PhotosByVelux5Oceans: The yellow boat that arrived first for Leg One of the Velux race