The following is the text of an announcement released by race organizers.

Land's End Business Outfitters -- 2003 Chicago to Mackinac Race Presenting Sponsor

Lands' End Business Outfitters, a division of direct merchant Lands' End, will be this year's 2003 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presenting sponsor. Race officials have said that this sponsorship is a fitting tribute to Land's End's 40th anniversary and its nautical roots.

As part of the package Lands' End Business Outfitters will produce the official race polos, skippers' bags and other Lands' End apparel and gear for the race.

"We're proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2003 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, the world's longest annual freshwater race - and one of the most prestigious regattas in the United States," said Vincent Gallucci, vice president and general manager, Lands' End Business Outfitters. "We believe this sponsorship is a strong marriage between the Chicago Yacht Club's tradition of yachting excellence and our tradition of customer service excellence, as well as a way to introduce more people to Lands' End Business Outfitters, and a great way to celebrate Lands' End's 40th anniversary."

Gallucci said the company traces its roots to the Lands' End Yacht Store founded by Gary Comer on Chicago's Elston Avenue alongside the Chicago River in 1963. "We started out offering fittings for racing sailboats, and now we provide apparel and accessories to our customers around the world." He added, "We're proud of our sailing heritage."

Lands' End Business Outfitters is the division of Lands' End that provides logo'd apparel and accessories to nine out of 10 Fortune 500® companies, and to other firms of all sizes, outfitting their employees and customers in quality merchandise while enhancing the strength of their respective brand.