ATLANTIC OCEAN — Within days of rounding the Tristan Islands in the South Atlantic, 32-year-old Vincent Lauwers positioned 1,300 miles from Cape Town, South Africa, is now up against headwinds of storm strength. Lauwers, who aims to become the first paraplegic to sail 21,600 miles around the world alone and unassisted, reported yesterday "spending more time beneath the waves crashing on top of the boat than above them," as he hove-to and rode out the latest blow. Strong seas broke a block and parted a line on the windvane of the 47-foot, Van-de-Stadt Samoan-designed cutter Vision Quest, as the mariner watched from inside the pilothouse, occasionally dragging himself topside.
For Lauwers, remaining dry is important as he tries to avoid sores and infections which could result from his constant interaction with the water. Without the ability to stand up, he is almost constantly wet when above deck in bad weather. The boat's wind generators are ailing from the elements, and reports are now fewer and farther-between as the sailor rations electricity on board. He should pass Cape Town in 10 days and be shore-side in his home country of Australia in 10 weeks. The voyage has been undertaken to raise funds for disabled and disadvantaged kids. For more information see www.parasail.com.au/index.htm.