Brad Van Liew, the only U.S. entry in the Velux 5 Oceans Race 2010 – 2011 has launched Le Pingouin, his Eco 60 ocean racer following an extensive refit.
Van Liew and Team Lazarus have spent six months on the refit that involved redesigning the deck and cabin along with installing state-of-the-art autopilots and instrumentation from B&G along with Simrad navigation, radar and AIS systems.
Van Liew plans to depart for France on Sept 5. The Velux 5 Oceans starts from La Rochelle on Oct. 17 and features five ocean legs — France to Cape Town (South Africa), Cape Town to Wellington (New Zealand), Wellington to Salvador (Brazil), Salvador to Charleston, S.C., and the final leg from Charleston back to La Rochelle.
When Van Liew finishes the race in 2011 he will become the first American to officially finish three solo around-the-world races.
With less than two months to go before the start of the race, Van Liew is confident. “Our equipment is the best, our shore team is the best, and we’re ready,” he said.
