A professional sailor for the last seven years, Brad Van Liew is one of the world’s greatest sailing champions.  He’s completed two solo circumnavigations, taking 3rd place as an underdog entrant in the 1998-99 Around Alone race, and claiming victory in the 2002-03 edition of that event in style aboard his patriotic Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America. On top of winning the 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. 

Van Liew has been awarded an array of honors including a US Navy Seamanship Award, Raymarine Communications Award, and Sportsman of the Year from Southern California Yacht Racing Association. Today, Van Liew manages the primary endeavors of the SC Maritime Foundation, which include the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship, the Charleston Maritime Festival, Charleston Race Week regatta and the Charleston to Bermuda yacht race.  No matter what endeavors Van Liew commits to, he succeeds with flying colors and Tommy Hilfiger put it best when he said, “Brad's hard work, independence, resourcefulness and perseverance personify the American spirit."

Brad Van Liew