Halfway there, Vincent Lauwers enjoys the change in weather.

ATLANTIC OCEAN — Vincent Lauwers, a 32-year-old paraplegic, continues his non-stop attempt to become the first paraplegic to sail around the world alone. Last reports had him 500 miles east of Brazil emerging from a gale-laden frontal system bound north up the Atlantic toward the equator and tropical sun. Lauwers is anticipating smoother sailing after a week of windward progress to his halfway point, hopefully leaving the jarring conditions he has experienced since rounding Cape Horn. Winds are favorable, forecast from the east over the next three days as a high pressure zone fills in.
The voyage is designed to highlight the quality of life for disabled and disadvantaged children. In 1990 Lauwers was involved in a road accident that nearly claimed his life and left him without the use of his legs. Since becoming a paraplegic, he has competed in two Sydney to Hobart Races, several Australian East Coast ocean races, and 18 Bass Straight crossings, as well as a double-handed Melboure to Osaka and back race. When not sailing, Lauwers spends time educating young people on spinal awareness, and working with those who are disabled and disadvantaged.
The vessel is equipped with e-mail, satellite phone, HF marine radio, weather fax, and other safety equipment. The non-stop, unassisted, 21,600-mile voyage is anticipated to take six months, though the skipper has packed away enough food for eleven months in case conditions prove less than cooperative. www.parasail.com.