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Brad Van Liew at the 2002 Strictly Sail Chicago Boat Show
They call it The Windy City and Saturday, February 2 proved
to be no different. Thousands of Midwesterners from the United
States traipsed through snow and icy streets to attend the
Strictly Sail Chicago Boat Show and meet Around Alone veteran
and 2002-2003 entrant Brad Van Liew.
Navy Pier, one of Chicago's oldest maritime landmarks, and
host of the Strictly Sail boat show, attracted a massive audience
of cruisers and competitive sailors - all looking for the
latest on-the-water excitement. Many found that thrill at
the Around Alone exhibitor booth. Brad Van Liew and his Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America team worked hand in hand with Clipper Ventures, spreading
the word about Around Alone 2002-2003. Van Liew's fellow competitor
Tim Kent and his Everest Horizontal Team were also present
and spreading the message of the upcoming race with an additional
display.
News anchor and reporter Robert Jordan from WGN-TV wanted
to hear more about the solo racing endeavor of Around Alone,
and stopped by with a cameraman to capture the action and
talk with skipper Brad Van Liew. A Throng of others followed
suit and joined Van Liew for an in-depth look at the trials
and tribulations of America's only round the world race at
an afternoon presentation. Video and slides captured everyone's
imagination, displaying the true grit required to traverse
the Southern Ocean.
Van Liew explained that Around Alone is a race of extremes.
His examples proved solid, as he showed the audience conditions
of the last race - from the numbing doldrums in the Tasmin
Sea to the towering fierce waves around Cape Horn. The crowd
was entranced by stories of triumph and defeat recalled from
Van Liew's 3rd place finish in the Around Alone race of 1998-1999.
Dry Creek Vineyard then hosted a festive wine reception and
Van Liew's Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America Team presented raffle winners with
prizes from leading maritime businesses including Raymarine,
Guy Cotten, J-world and Harken.
Chicagoland sailors were allowed a brief respite from the
chilling breeze of their Windy City to experience a glimpse
of the upcoming adventure of Around Alone. They will be watching
as the race approaches and the teams prepare for a September
start.
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