NEW YORK, Jun 5, 2002/ FW/ --- The nautical spirit is reflected in Tommy Hilfiger clothing lines. Yesterday, at Chelsea Piers, Tommy Hilfiger extended his love for the sea by personifying it in a 50-foot yacht, "Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America."

With the designer Tommy Hilfiger, skipper Brad Lan View and Tommy spokesmodels Jason Shaw and Jeremy Bloom as guests of honor, presidential niece and Tommy spokesmodel Lauren Bush christened the Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America yacht by breaking a bottle of champagne on its hull.

"Tommy Hilfiger is a classic American designer known the world over for his quality and style," said Brad Lan View, who will be the skipper of Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America for the 2002-2003 "Around Alone" yacht race.

Tommy Hilfiger USA, Inc. will sponsor Van Liew's entry in the 2002-2003 "Around Alone" yacht race, one of the longest and most difficult races for any individual in any sport.

The 28,000-mile, 8-month long sailing race begins in New York City on September 15, 2002, and circumnavigates the world by way of the five great capes.

This is not the first time that the 34 year-old Van Liew, will enter the competition. During the 1998-99 Around Alone race, he was the only American to finish and took 3rd place in the 50-foot class.

"I'm excited about this partnership because we share many traits as a strong and dedicated all-American team. We will proudly fly the Tommy Hilfiger colors," says Van Liew after the christening.

"Brad is the United States' premier solo sailor and we are very proud and extremely excited about this opportunity to support him," said Tommy Hilfiger about the skipper who will captain the yacht that bears his name.

"It takes hard work, resourcefulness, perseverance and courage to succeed. Brad and the Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America team personify these qualities and are an embodiment of the American dream."

The Around Alone race is held every four years. Sailing alone aboard the Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America yacht, Van Liew will face extreme conditions to battle a diverse international fleet of the world's best solo sailors in one of the most mentally and physically demanding competitive sports in the world.

This year, the event will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a new start in New York harbor. Recognizing the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the race will begin in New York between Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty as part of a commemorative tribute to all those who lost their lives.

Van Liew and his Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America team will spend the summer in New York City preparing for the race.