BRADFORD R. VAN LIEW

Biography

America’s top rated extremist on the water – Champion of Around Alone 2002-3
148 days alone at sea in 2002-3
World Record Holder

Recent Accomplishments:
1st Place, Around Alone 2002-3 solo yacht race (Class II)
World Record holder in 50 foot monohull (345 miles in 24 hours)
Unprecedented sweep of all 5 legs
Total time at sea alone of 148d 16h 54m 52s
Beat closest competitor by more than 21 days
Raymarine Communication Award
U.S. Navy Seamanship Award
Best Humor Award & Best Images Award

Summary:
Brad Van Liew sailed across the Around Alone finish line in style aboard his patriotic Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America Open-50 racer on May 4, 2003. American victory was his intent for fourteen years, and finally his dream was realized in a performance that reeked of preparation, skill, determination and teamwork. On top of winning the Class II race by more than 21 days, Van Liew swept all five legs of the event, broke the 24 hour mileage record for a 50 foot monohull, and kept pace with several of the typically faster 60-footers. In a grueling solo race that puts one’s endurance to the ultimate test, both physically and mentally, Van Liew proved that he has what it takes to be America’s best solo sailor.

History:
Brad Van Liew, 35, is the premier American offshore sailor specializing in extreme performance events. He competes in some of the world's toughest offshore ocean races, which require courage, grit, skill and teamwork. Brad's relentless determination, skill and fortitude in the Around Alone competition of 1998-1999, won him a 3rd place finish in the 50-foot class.

Offshore ocean racing demands expertise in a multitude of disciplines. Brad's sailing resume is diverse and expansive, including crewed Newport to Bermuda races at the young age of twelve, Carlsberg One -Two, a solo transpacific qualifier, and the EDS Atlantic Challenge crewed Open-60 regatta. From buoy races and offshore regattas to several Admiral's Cup qualifiers, Brad sailed in IOR race boats from one-tonners to maxis.

Brad is a graduate of the University of Southern California. Possessing the highest aeronautical license given by the Federal Aviation Agency, Brad retains single and multi engine airline transport ratings as well as single and multi instrument instructor licenses. Combining navigational and weather interpretation skills as an aviator with his competitive sailing experience, Brad welcomes the challenges inherent in offshore ocean racing.

"Brad's hard work, independence, resourcefulness and perseverance personify the American spirit." Tommy Hilfiger, May 2003

It’s Not About the Boat
Van Liew shares more than a race with audiences. He shares his life, the trials and tribulations of an extreme athlete – early childhood training, inspiration from his mentors, the struggle to define his career, desperate times, the quest for sponsorship, building credibility, losing friends, and finally realizing his life dream in an unprecedented victory.

Taking Charge
Brad is a natural leader and entrepreneur. After graduating college, he attained every license the FAA offers as a pilot and began teaching aerobatics in Southern California. Bored with the monotony, he started an executive air charter business for the Hollywood jet-set. He was happy with this, but realized that there was one challenge eluding him – the Around Alone. He could not ignore it any longer. Could he sail around the word, alone? Could he win?

Building a Dream
Without the personal resources to fund a million dollar race program, Van Liew was faced with a problem. How would he accomplish his dream of racing solo around the globe? He recruited friends, family, volunteers, and devoured the topic of corporate sponsorship in the world of sports. This was not your standard ball game, so there were added hurdles to explaining the sport and the return that sponsors would receive. Additionally, the risk factor did not bode well for cautious corporations. Many sailors have died attempting to race solo around the globe.

Making It Happen
Van Liew took massive risks, personally and professionally, to make it to the start line. With a combination of borrowed, earned and sponsored cash, and his newlywed wife nearby, Van Liew began his first race in 1998, only to be faced with the actual challenges that the race presents at sea.

Hardship
Facing every extreme that Mother Nature could muster, Van Liew spent 155 days at sea alone in 1998-99. There were deadly storms with hurricane force winds and waves that towered eight stories high. He was knocked down several times and finally capsized in the deep Southern Ocean. Bruised and shaken, it took Van Liew days to collect himself and muster the courage to put a sail back up. He had cleared the nautical summit of Cape Horn but his greatest challenge lay ahead.

Overcoming Adversity
Off the coast of Brazil Van Liew’s racing machine, his home, his cocoon, the only thing that kept him alive, was stricken. The mast, sails, rigging all came tumbling down into the rough Atlantic waters. His race was over, or so he thought. After calling in his troubles via satellite, he learned that his teammates would not stand for defeat. Other competitors donated sails, manpower and sponsors. Van Liew restarted the race 1,000 miles behind and passed most of the fleet to win 3rd place.

Extreme Living
The solitude of racing alone around the globe is a powerful challenge on its own. Add sleep deprivation, navigation, weather analysis, sail changes, and medical emergencies at sea and you have one of the most daring and extreme jobs of all time. The physical and mental endurance required in this sport is unfathomable.

The Secret Struggle
Van Liew’s 2002-3 race brought mental challenges he had never faced, leaving a five month old baby on the docks and missing her first year of life. Van Liew says he was not racing the competition, but racing to get to the next port to spend time with Tate Magellan.

Teamwork
Van Liew says, “I’m just the lucky guy who gets to drive the boat.” Often compared to Formula One racing, offshore racing requires an extensive behind-the-scenes support team. There is a pit crew in each port, a marketing team, logistics and sponsorship.

Career & Life Threat
After Van Liew’s first circumnavigation and during the fundraising for his second, severe back and leg pain shut him down. It progressed to a point of not being able to walk. Nerve blocks, epidurals, and heavy medication did nothing to ease the pain. He had to go under the knife for back surgery. Once complete, his pain remained and grew even more intense. After six months another surgery finally corrected the disk problem and Van Liew was free to sail again.

Managing Expectations
As the only race veteran and with a stellar racing machine, Van Liew was expected to win the 2002-3 race. This was an unfamiliar role for the previous underdog candidate. The stress gained momentum as Van Liew began the race and chocked up a healthy lead. He was on the brink of quitting half way around the world, but managed to find peace with this new role and to discern his own expectations from those of others.

The Rocky Balboa Moment
After a lifelong dream to win the Around Alone solo race, Van Liew crosses the finish line in Newport, Rhode Island an amazing 21 days ahead of his competition. With humor and grace he commends all of his competitors saying that “to finish is to win.”