After five months at sea, and another 12 weeks to go, disabled sailor Vinny Lauwers is likely to be very familiar indeed with every inch of his 47-foot Vision Quest.

ATLANTIC OCEAN — The 32-year old Australian Vincent Lauwers continues his attempt to become the first paraplegic to sail 21,600 nautical miles around the world alone and unassisted. Last reports had Vision Quest, a 47-foot, Van-de-Stadt Samoan-designed cutter getting ready to round Isle Trinidad in the light and fickle winds of the doldrums. Lauwers, whose journey began December 20, has about 12 more long weeks alone at sea before completing his voyage, and the listless winds along with a lack of sleep have had the sailor battling emotional doldrums as well.
There's nothing like a few boat projects to get one centered, and Lauwers has effected repairs to the steering, autopilot, and winches. One wind generator has given up the ghost, and another is faulty, leaving Lauwers preparing to climb the wind generator tower to mount a spare when conditions permit. There have been ships in the area, which means a vigilant look out is a must as proved by a recent collision-course encounter with an Italian ship that forced Lauwers to take a course change. The ensuing VHF conversation with the ship's captain left the solo sailor longing for roast chicken, potatoes, and anything else not in his repertoire of provisions.
Lauwers is undertaking the voyage to raise funds for disabled and disadvantaged kids. For more information see www.parasail.com.au/index.htm.