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

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