Betreff: Van Liew Outfits Around Alone Racing Yacht with Samson Lines
Absender: "Meaghan Van Liew" meaghanvl@earthlink.net
Datum: 23. Jan 2003 04:44
Van Liew Outfits Around Alone Racing Yacht with Samson Lines
Upcoming Challenge of Cape Horn Convinces Van Liew to Rely on Samson for Toughest Job
Ferndale, WA (January 23, 2003) - American Brad Van Liew, the front-runner in Around Alone's Class II, has struck an impressive sponsorship with Samson Rope Technologies. Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America will be completely outfitted with Samson cordage during the New Zealand stopover of the race, just before the treacherous leg around Cape Horn begins on February 9, 2003.
"The Samson product line is the best rope available which is proven to be reliable, strong and lightweight," said Van Liew. "I am excited about using Samson to make the deck layout aboard Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America sing. My small and devoted team will really appreciate the ease of working with Samson products."
All the control lines aboard Van Liew's fiery fifty foot race boat will be Samson. Lines are a critical part of the onboard package when managing a round the world racer. Brad has specified Validator SK, Validator II, WarpSpeed, UltraLite, Tech 12, AmSteel and AmSteel Blue to fill the need. The challenging solo environment makes Van Liew's product choices more important than ever. Instead of racing the buoys with a crew onboard, Van Liew will be rounding the five great capes of the globe. To learn more about Samson's sailing line offering, visit their website at www.samsonrope.com.
"We are thrilled that Brad has decided to use Samson Rope as his exclusive choice onboard Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America," said Bob Ihlenfeldt, President of Samson Rope Technologies. "The grueling environment of the Around Alone race and Brad's unquestionable competitive spirit are the perfect proving ground for Samson products."
Van Liew is proving to be a master of the global race course, pulling in three 1st place finishes in the race so far. His skill, experience and boat preparation have been unrivalled, allowing Brad to race across each finish line more than 600 miles ahead of his closest competition. Van Liew is the only returning racer from the 1998-99 Around Alone event, when he won a 3rd place in Class II in spite of an unfortunate dismasting that left him 1,000 miles behind the fleet. He returned to port under jury rig, installed a mast from a cruising boat and finished the race in 3rd place after passing most of the fleet. His determination is unquestionable; his persistence unrelenting.
To track Van Liew's progress and to get daily updates from the Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America yacht, please visit www.tommy.com/freedomamerica. Brad will be feeding the site with diary entries and photos taken aboard the yacht. Graphic depictions and footage of Brad and his adventures at sea are available upon request.
About Samson Rope Technologies
For well over one hundred years, Samson has been recognized as the leader in developing and manufacturing braided ropes. Originally founded by J.P. Tolman in 1878, Samson Cordage Works was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1888. The name was derived from the Company's trademark of Samson slaying the lion, and is currently the oldest active registered trademark in the United States. Today, Samson engineers are using the same nylon, polyester and polypropylene fibers together with newer developments in fiber technology like PBO®, HMPE (high molecular weight polyethylene, such as Dyneema® ) and Technora® to produce ropes with characteristics specifically designed to enhance performance. Samson engineers continue to explore new fiber and rope construction technologies to meet the demands of the marine industry and recreational boaters alike. Samson Rope Technologies is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The AMC Group.
CONTACTS:
Meaghan Van Liew
David Johnston
Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America Samson Rope Technologies
+1 646 529-3097 +1 800 227-7673 x413
meaghan@oceanracing.org djohnston@samsonrope.com
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