"As a professional racer, it is of paramount importance that I remain focused and comfortable when taking on rugged seas. Without a doubt, SealSkinz® Waterproof Socks and Gloves allow me to focus on my challenges in comfort and they continuously surpass the demands that I place upon them."

Brad Van Liew is an American out to prove that he can lead a team to victory in the world's toughest offshore ocean races. He has created a dynamic team of resources that complement his experience and illustrate his objective of winning the most challenging international offshore regattas the world has to offer.

Brad founded the Mission America project in July 1999 to challenge the world's best professional sailors in major international open-class regattas. Utilizing the vast freedom in yacht design, a strong commitment to quality workmanship, and personal preparation and training, he will be a powerful force on the water during the grueling crewed and solo transoceanic races planned for 2001-2003. With intense research and development underway, the strongest designers and engineers in the U.S are currently developing the new competition yacht.

Brad's relentless determination, skill and fortitude in the Around Alone competition of 1998-1999, won him a third place finish in the 50-foot class. In the world's most treacherous and remote oceans, Brad battled the worst Mother Nature could muster against a rugged international fleet of the most talented solo sailors. Surviving 8-story waves and hurricane force winds, Brad took on the best of the well-funded "rocketships" sailing his more traditional craft, BALANCE BAR, in this 27,000-mile solo race around the world. As the only American to finish, he was recognized by several organizations for his sportsmanship, seamanship, and competitiveness.

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, and a solo transpacific qualifier. From buoy races and offshore regattas to several Admiral's Cup qualifiers, Brad sailed in IOR race boats from one-tonners to maxis.

Combining navigational and weather interpretation skills as an aviator with his competitive sailing experience and state of the art gear including SealSkinz® Waterproof Socks, Brad welcomes the challenges inherent in offshore ocean racing.