Vinny Lauwers: Difference between revisions

Content deleted Content added

Inline

Latest revision as of 22:25, 26 November 2024

Vincent Marc Thierry Lauwers (born 12 September 1967) is an Australian round-the-world yachtsman. In 2000 he became the first paraplegic sailor to sail solo, non-stop around the world. In 2001, he won the Laureus Award for "Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability".

Early life

Vinny Lauwers was born in Belgium^[1] on 12 September 1967^[2] and emigrated to Australia at the age of four.^[3] Vinny Lauwers' early childhood was marked by psychological abuse.^[4] He first experienced ocean sailing aged 14, crewing on a yacht from Melbourne to Sydney.^[5] He became a paraplegic in 1990 when he was 22;^[6] Lauwers' back was broken in three places after he was hit by a car while riding a motorcycle.^[5]^[4]

Before his circumnavigation, Lauwers gained extra experience in the Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race, a non-stop south-to-north, double-handed race, covering a 5500-nautical-mile (10,186 km) course between the two sister cities^[7] and also sailing in two Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races with the Sailors with Disability (SWD) crew, including SWD's first entry in 1994.^[8]^[9]^[10]

Circumnavigation

Lauwers spent seven years planning his voyage and building his yacht,^[6] a Van de Stadt–designed 47 named Vision Quest.^[9]

He was instructed for two years on the synoptics of the Southern Hemisphere by meteorologist Bob Leighton, who, together with colleagues from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's National Meteorological Operations Centre, also provided regular forecasts during Lauwers' journey.^[11]^[9]

His circumnavigation attempt commenced on 20 December 1999^[12] from Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia. During his voyage, he encountered many hardships. Equipment problems included autopilot malfunctions, failed radar, and a self-destructing wind generator.^[5]

The voyage took seven and a half months, finishing on 9 August 2000.^[6] Welcome celebrations were planned for Lauwers to finish his voyage on Saturday 12 August, but with a gale developing in Bass Strait, he decided to enter the Bay and cross the official finish line on the 9th. He anchored and stayed on board until continuing on to the Williamstown Pier and planned celebrations.^[3]^[12] His official welcome home at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria was attended by over a thousand people, including Premier Steve Bracks.^[13] Vision Quest's World Sailing Speed Record Council's Performance Certificate lists its route time as 233 days 13 hours 43 minutes and 8 seconds and the distance covered as 21,760 nautical miles (41,300 km).^[14]

As of 2024, the yacht interior has been improved for comfort, replete with air conditioning and new equipment, and she has been listed for sale at A$175,000.^[15]

Honours

On 15 August 2000, Lauwers and his feat were recognised in the Australian Parliament.^[16] He was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in July 2000^[17] and in January 2001, the Australian Centenary Medal "for outstanding service as the first paraplegic sailor to sail around the world unassisted".^[18]

In 2000 Lauwers was nominated for the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Sailor of the Year Awards.^[6]^[19] Lauwers was Australian Sailing's Sailor of the Year with a Disability for 2000–01^[20] and shared the Yachting Victoria's Sailor of the Year Trophy in 2001.^[21]

In 2001 Lauwers was awarded the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. At the awards ceremony, where he was presented with his statuette by New Zealand sailor Sir Peter Blake and French footballer David Ginola, Lauwers joked that his wife allowed him a mistress "and she’s 48 foot long, 15 foot wide and has all the right curves."^[2]

On 25 May 2001, he was awarded the P&O Nedlloyd Disabled Sailor of the Year accolade.^[22]

In 2002, a DVD, The Spirit of Vision Quest: The Vinny Lauwers Story, was released.^[23]

Speaking of his crew members such as Lauwers and Liesl Tesch, founder of Sailors with Disabilities, David Pescud, said: "People are people first and your disability is either part of your life; it owns you or you own it. The guys I sail with, they own their disability and I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve sailed with some of the most amazing people."^[24]

References

^ Bester, Damian (27 May 2013). "Our Heroes" (PDF). The Mercury. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 March 2017. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
^ ^a ^b "Vinny Lauwers – Biography". Laureus. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ ^a ^b Marsh, Peter (15 December 2014). "2000 – Paraplegic's Non-Stop Circumnavigation". Marsh's Maritime Media. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ ^a ^b "Historic Yacht Vision Quest for sale". www.sail-world.com. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c Jeffery, Timothy (27 October 2016). Sail: A tribute to the world's greatest races, sailors and their boats. Aurum Press. pp. 198–199. ISBN 9781781316580. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Vincent Lauwers (AUS) wins 2001 Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award". World Sailing. 25 May 2001. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ "2003 Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race". World Sailing. 7 November 2001. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ Taylor, Polly (31 October 2013). "Paraplegic yachtsman finds freedom through Sailors with disabilities". Sail-World Australia. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Australian Register of Historic Vessels – Vision Quest". Australia National Maritime Museum. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ Pearson, Di (1 May 2003). "Sailors with disABILITIES Launch '03 Project'". Australian Sailing. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
^ "Biographical Entry – Leighton, Robert Murray (Bob)". Encyclopedia of Australian Science. 25 May 2006. Archived from the original on 31 December 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ ^a ^b "WSSR Records subsequent to the May 2000 issue of Ocean Passages". World Sailing. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
^ Waldon, Steve (13 August 2000). "Disabled sailor back on dry land – but only just". The Age. Melbourne. p. 5. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ "Performance Certificates Published". World Sailing. 23 January 2003. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ yachthub.com. "Used Van De Stadt Samoa for Sale | Yachts For Sale | Yachthub". yachthub.com. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
^ "Lauwers, Mr Vinny". Parliament of Australia – Senate Hansard. 15 August 2000. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
^ "Lauwers Vincent". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
^ "Lauwers, Vinny". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
^ "ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2000". World Sailing. 7 November 2000. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ "Sailor of the Year with a Disability". Australian Sailing. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
^ Liptrot, Diana (11 August 2001). "Three share Victorian award honours". Australian Sailing. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
^ "2001 BEA Australian Yachting Awards". World Sailing. 29 May 2001. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ The spirit of vision quest : the Vinny Lauwers story. WorldCat. 27 October 2016. ISBN 9781781316580. OCLC 277169059.
^ Lorimer, Crosbie (1 January 2013). "Rolex Sydney Hobart 2012; Last Hobarts? Never Say Never". Sail-World Australia. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2018.

[1] Bester, Damian (27 May 2013). "Our Heroes" (PDF). The Mercury. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 March 2017. Retrieved 18 January 2018.

[laureusbio-2] "Vinny Lauwers – Biography". Laureus. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[marsh-3] Marsh, Peter (15 December 2014). "2000 – Paraplegic's Non-Stop Circumnavigation". Marsh's Maritime Media. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[sail-world.com-4] "Historic Yacht Vision Quest for sale". www.sail-world.com. Retrieved 6 May 2024.

[sailbook-5] Jeffery, Timothy (27 October 2016). Sail: A tribute to the world's greatest races, sailors and their boats. Aurum Press. pp. 198–199. ISBN 9781781316580. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018.

[worldsail-6] "Vincent Lauwers (AUS) wins 2001 Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award". World Sailing. 25 May 2001. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[7] "2003 Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race". World Sailing. 7 November 2001. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[8] Taylor, Polly (31 October 2013). "Paraplegic yachtsman finds freedom through Sailors with disabilities". Sail-World Australia. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.

[museum-9] "Australian Register of Historic Vessels – Vision Quest". Australia National Maritime Museum. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[10] Pearson, Di (1 May 2003). "Sailors with disABILITIES Launch '03 Project'". Australian Sailing. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.

[11] "Biographical Entry – Leighton, Robert Murray (Bob)". Encyclopedia of Australian Science. 25 May 2006. Archived from the original on 31 December 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[wssr-12] "WSSR Records subsequent to the May 2000 issue of Ocean Passages". World Sailing. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.

[13] Waldon, Steve (13 August 2000). "Disabled sailor back on dry land – but only just". The Age. Melbourne. p. 5. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[14] "Performance Certificates Published". World Sailing. 23 January 2003. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[15] yachthub.com. "Used Van De Stadt Samoa for Sale | Yachts For Sale | Yachthub". yachthub.com. Retrieved 6 May 2024.

[16] "Lauwers, Mr Vinny". Parliament of Australia – Senate Hansard. 15 August 2000. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.

[17] "Lauwers Vincent". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.

[18] "Lauwers, Vinny". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.

[19] "ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2000". World Sailing. 7 November 2000. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[20] "Sailor of the Year with a Disability". Australian Sailing. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.

[21] Liptrot, Diana (11 August 2001). "Three share Victorian award honours". Australian Sailing. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.

[22] "2001 BEA Australian Yachting Awards". World Sailing. 29 May 2001. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[23] The spirit of vision quest : the Vinny Lauwers story. WorldCat. 27 October 2016. ISBN 9781781316580. OCLC 277169059.

[24] Lorimer, Crosbie (1 January 2013). "Rolex Sydney Hobart 2012; Last Hobarts? Never Say Never". Sail-World Australia. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2018.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

[24]

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 ==Early life==
-Vinny Lauwers was born in [[Belgium]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mercurynie.com.au/documents/InspirationalMERC27MAY2013p27COPYRIGHT.pdf |title=Our Heroes |first=Damian |last=Bester |work=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]] |date=27 May 2013 |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307110446/http://mercurynie.com.au/documents/InspirationalMERC27MAY2013p27COPYRIGHT.pdf |archive-date=7 March 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> on 12 September 1967<ref name="laureusbio">{{cite web |url=https://www.laureus.com/content/vinny-lauwers |title=Vinny Lauwers – Biography |publisher=Laureus |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235202/https://www.laureus.com/content/vinny-lauwers |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and emigrated to Australia at the age of four.<ref name="marsh">{{cite web |url=http://sea-to-summit.net/2000-australian-paraplegic-finishes-non-stop-circumnavigation-by-pm |title=2000 – Paraplegic's Non-Stop Circumnavigation |first=Peter |last=Marsh |publisher=Marsh's Maritime Media |date=15 December 2014 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070440/http://sea-to-summit.net/2000-australian-paraplegic-finishes-non-stop-circumnavigation-by-pm/ |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+Vinny Lauwers was born in [[Belgium]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mercurynie.com.au/documents/InspirationalMERC27MAY2013p27COPYRIGHT.pdf |title=Our Heroes |first=Damian |last=Bester |work=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]] |date=27 May 2013 |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307110446/http://mercurynie.com.au/documents/InspirationalMERC27MAY2013p27COPYRIGHT.pdf |archive-date=7 March 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> on 12 September 1967<ref name="laureusbio">{{cite web |url=https://www.laureus.com/content/vinny-lauwers |title=Vinny Lauwers – Biography |publisher=Laureus |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235202/https://www.laureus.com/content/vinny-lauwers |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and emigrated to Australia at the age of four.<ref name="marsh">{{cite web |url=http://sea-to-summit.net/2000-australian-paraplegic-finishes-non-stop-circumnavigation-by-pm |title=2000 – Paraplegic's Non-Stop Circumnavigation |first=Peter |last=Marsh |publisher=Marsh's Maritime Media |date=15 December 2014 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070440/http://sea-to-summit.net/2000-australian-paraplegic-finishes-non-stop-circumnavigation-by-pm/ |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Vinny Lauwers' early childhood was marked by [[psychological abuse]].<ref name="sail-world.com">{{Cite web |title=Historic Yacht Vision Quest for sale |url=https://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Historic-Yacht-Vision-Quest-for-sale/-47537 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=www.sail-world.com}}</ref>
 He first experienced ocean sailing aged 14, crewing on a yacht from Melbourne to Sydney.<ref name="sailbook">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j6i2DQAAQBAJ&pg=PT463 |title=Sail: A tribute to the world's greatest races, sailors and their boats |first=Timothy |last=Jeffery |pages=198–199 |publisher=[[Aurum Press]] |isbn=9781781316580 |date=27 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235019/https://books.google.com.au/books?id=j6i2DQAAQBAJ&pg=PT463 |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
-He became a paraplegic in 1990,<ref name="worldsail">{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/news/17022.php |title=Vincent Lauwers (AUS) wins 2001 Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award |publisher=[[World Sailing]] |date=25 May 2001 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120000636/http://www.sailing.org/news/17022.php |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> when he was 22; Lauwers' back was broken in three places after he was hit by a car.<ref name="sailbook" />
+He became a paraplegic in 1990 when he was 22;<ref name="worldsail">{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/news/17022.php |title=Vincent Lauwers (AUS) wins 2001 Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award |publisher=[[World Sailing]] |date=25 May 2001 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120000636/http://www.sailing.org/news/17022.php |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Lauwers' back was broken in three places after he was hit by a car while riding a motorcycle.<ref name="sailbook" /><ref name="sail-world.com"/>
-Before his circumnavigation Lauwers gained extra experience in the Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race, a non-stop south to north, double-handed race, covering a 5500 nautical mile course between the two sister cities<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/news/17481.php |title=2003 Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race |publisher=World Sailing |date=7 November 2001 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120000611/http://www.sailing.org/news/17481.php |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and also sailing in two [[Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race]]s with the Sailors with disability (SWD) crew, including SWD's first entry in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Paraplegic-yachtsman-finds-freedom-through-Sailors-with-disabilities/-116363 |title=Paraplegic yachtsman finds freedom through Sailors with disabilities |first=Polly |last=Taylor |publisher=Sail-World Australia |date=31 October 2013 |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065829/http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Paraplegic-yachtsman-finds-freedom-through-Sailors-with-disabilities/-116363 |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="museum">{{cite web |url=http://arhv.anmm.gov.au/objects/151510 |title=Australian Register of Historic Vessels – Vision Quest |publisher=Australia National Maritime Museum |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119175521/http://arhv.anmm.gov.au/objects/151510 |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org.au/sailors-with-disabilities-launch-03-project/ |title=Sailors with disABILITIES Launch '03 Project' |first=Di |last=Pearson |publisher=Australian Sailing |date=1 May 2003 |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235124/http://www.sailing.org.au/sailors-with-disabilities-launch-03-project/ |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+Before his circumnavigation, Lauwers gained extra experience in the Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race, a non-stop south-to-north, double-handed race, covering a 5500-nautical-mile (10,186&nbsp;km) course between the two sister cities<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/news/17481.php |title=2003 Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race |publisher=World Sailing |date=7 November 2001 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120000611/http://www.sailing.org/news/17481.php |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and also sailing in two [[Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race]]s with the Sailors with Disability (SWD) crew, including SWD's first entry in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Paraplegic-yachtsman-finds-freedom-through-Sailors-with-disabilities/-116363 |title=Paraplegic yachtsman finds freedom through Sailors with disabilities |first=Polly |last=Taylor |publisher=Sail-World Australia |date=31 October 2013 |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065829/http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Paraplegic-yachtsman-finds-freedom-through-Sailors-with-disabilities/-116363 |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="museum">{{cite web |url=http://arhv.anmm.gov.au/objects/151510 |title=Australian Register of Historic Vessels – Vision Quest |publisher=Australia National Maritime Museum |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119175521/http://arhv.anmm.gov.au/objects/151510 |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org.au/sailors-with-disabilities-launch-03-project/ |title=Sailors with disABILITIES Launch '03 Project' |first=Di |last=Pearson |publisher=Australian Sailing |date=1 May 2003 |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235124/http://www.sailing.org.au/sailors-with-disabilities-launch-03-project/ |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
 ==Circumnavigation==
-Lauwers spent seven years planning his voyage and building his yacht,<ref name="worldsail"/> a [[E. G. van de Stadt|Van de Stadt]]-designed 47 named ''Vision Quest''.<ref name="museum" />
+Lauwers spent seven years planning his voyage and building his yacht,<ref name="worldsail"/> a [[E. G. van de Stadt|Van de Stadt]]–designed 47 named ''Vision Quest''.<ref name="museum" />
-He was instructed for two years on the synoptics of the Southern Hemisphere by meteorologist Bob Leighton who, together with colleagues from the Australian [[Bureau of Meteorology]]'s National Meteorological Operations Centre, also provided regular forecasts during Lauwers' journey.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eoas.info/biogs/P003272b.htm |title=Biographical Entry – Leighton, Robert Murray (Bob) |publisher=Encyclopedia of Australian Science |date=25 May 2006 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231031532/http://www.eoas.info/biogs/P003272b.htm |archive-date=31 December 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="museum"/>
+He was instructed for two years on the synoptics of the Southern Hemisphere by meteorologist Bob Leighton, who, together with colleagues from the Australian [[Bureau of Meteorology]]'s National Meteorological Operations Centre, also provided regular forecasts during Lauwers' journey.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eoas.info/biogs/P003272b.htm |title=Biographical Entry – Leighton, Robert Murray (Bob) |publisher=Encyclopedia of Australian Science |date=25 May 2006 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231031532/http://www.eoas.info/biogs/P003272b.htm |archive-date=31 December 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="museum"/>
-His circumnavigation attempt commenced on 20 December 1999<ref name="wssr">{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/news/16816.php |title=WSSR Records subsequent to the May 2000 issue of Ocean Passages |publisher=World Sailing |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121815251600/http://www.sailing.org/news/16816.php |archive-date=8 February 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>   from [[Port Phillip Bay]] in [[Melbourne]], Australia.
+His circumnavigation attempt commenced on 20 December 1999<ref name="wssr">{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/news/16816.php |title=WSSR Records subsequent to the May 2000 issue of Ocean Passages |publisher=World Sailing |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208000000/http://www.sailing.org/news/16816.php |archive-date=8 February 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> from [[Port Phillip Bay]] in [[Melbourne]], Australia.
-During his voyage he encountered many hardships. Equipment problems included autopilot malfunctions, failed radar, and a self-destructing wind generator.<ref name="sailbook" />
+During his voyage, he encountered many hardships. Equipment problems included autopilot malfunctions, failed radar, and a self-destructing wind generator.<ref name="sailbook" />
 The voyage took seven and a half months, finishing on 9 August 2000.<ref name="worldsail"/> Welcome celebrations were planned for Lauwers to finish his voyage on Saturday 12 August, but with a gale developing in [[Bass Strait]], he decided to enter the Bay and cross the official finish line on the 9th. He anchored and stayed on board until continuing on to the Williamstown Pier and planned celebrations.<ref name="marsh"/><ref name="wssr"/>
-His official welcome home at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria was attended by over a thousand people including Premier [[Steve Bracks]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/123482474 |title=Disabled sailor back on dry land – but only just |first=Steve |last=Waldon |work=[[The Age]] |page=5 |location=Melbourne |date=13 August 2000 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070142/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/123482474/ |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+His official welcome home at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria was attended by over a thousand people, including Premier [[Steve Bracks]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/123482474 |title=Disabled sailor back on dry land – but only just |first=Steve |last=Waldon |work=[[The Age]] |page=5 |location=Melbourne |date=13 August 2000 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070142/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/123482474/ |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
-''Vision Quest'''s [[World Sailing Speed Record Council]]'s Performance Certificate lists its route time as 233 days 13 hours 43 minutes and 8 seconds and the distance covered as 21760 nautical miles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/news/13102.php |title=Performance Certificates Published |publisher=World Sailing |date=23 January 2003 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120002213/http://www.sailing.org/news/13102.php |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+''Vision Quest'''s [[World Sailing Speed Record Council]]'s Performance Certificate lists its route time as 233 days 13 hours 43 minutes and 8 seconds and the distance covered as 21,760 nautical miles (41,300&nbsp;km).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/news/13102.php |title=Performance Certificates Published |publisher=World Sailing |date=23 January 2003 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120002213/http://www.sailing.org/news/13102.php |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+As of 2024, the yacht interior has been improved for comfort, replete with air conditioning and new equipment, and she has been listed for sale at A$175,000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=yachthub.com |title=Used Van De Stadt Samoa for Sale {{!}} Yachts For Sale {{!}} Yachthub |url=https://yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/van-de-stadt-samoa/309434 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=yachthub.com}}</ref>
 ==Honours==
 On 15 August 2000, Lauwers and his feat were recognised in the Australian Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2000-08-15%2F0064;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2000-08-15%2F0000%22 |title=Lauwers, Mr Vinny |publisher=Parliament of Australia – Senate Hansard |date=15 August 2000 |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208221120/http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2000-08-15%2F0064;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2000-08-15%2F0000%22 |archive-date=8 February 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in July 2000<ref>{{cite web |url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/979602 |title=Lauwers Vincent |publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235209/https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/979602 |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and in January 2001, the Australian Centenary Medal "for outstanding service as the first paraplegic sailor to sail around the world unassisted".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1128070 |title=Lauwers, Vinny |publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235211/https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1128070 |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
-In 2000 Lauwers was nominated for the [[International Sailing Federation]] (ISAF) World Sailor of the Year Awards.<ref name="worldsail"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/worldsailor/2000/index.php |title=ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2000 |publisher=World Sailing |date=7 November 2000 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121709213700/http://www.sailing.org/worldsailor/2000/index.php |archive-date=8 February 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Lauwers was [[Australian Sailing]]'s Sailor of the Year with a Disability for 2000–01<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org.au/sailor-of-the-year-with-a-disability/ |title=Sailor of the Year with a Disability |publisher=Australian Sailing |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235147/http://www.sailing.org.au/sailor-of-the-year-with-a-disability/ |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and shared the Yachting Victoria's Sailor of the Year Trophy in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org.au/three-share-victorian-award-honours/ |title=Three share Victorian award honours |first=Diana |last=Liptrot |publisher=Australian Sailing |date=11 August 2001 |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235056/http://www.sailing.org.au/three-share-victorian-award-honours/ |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+In 2000 Lauwers was nominated for the [[International Sailing Federation]] (ISAF) World Sailor of the Year Awards.<ref name="worldsail"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/worldsailor/2000/index.php |title=ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2000 |publisher=World Sailing |date=7 November 2000 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208000000/http://www.sailing.org/worldsailor/2000/index.php |archive-date=8 February 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Lauwers was [[Australian Sailing]]'s Sailor of the Year with a Disability for 2000–01<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org.au/sailor-of-the-year-with-a-disability/ |title=Sailor of the Year with a Disability |publisher=Australian Sailing |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235147/http://www.sailing.org.au/sailor-of-the-year-with-a-disability/ |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and shared the Yachting Victoria's Sailor of the Year Trophy in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org.au/three-share-victorian-award-honours/ |title=Three share Victorian award honours |first=Diana |last=Liptrot |publisher=Australian Sailing |date=11 August 2001 |access-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235056/http://www.sailing.org.au/three-share-victorian-award-honours/ |archive-date=19 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
 In 2001 Lauwers was awarded the [[Laureus World Sports Awards|Laureus World Sports Award]] for [[Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability|Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability]]. At the awards ceremony, where he was presented with his statuette by New Zealand sailor [[Peter Blake (sailor)|Sir Peter Blake]] and French footballer [[David Ginola]], Lauwers joked that his wife allowed him a mistress "and she’s 48 foot long, 15 foot wide and has all the right curves."<ref name="laureusbio"/>
@@ Line 32: / Line 34: @@
 On 25 May 2001, he was awarded the [[P&O Nedlloyd]] Disabled Sailor of the Year accolade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailing.org/news/17040.php |title=2001 BEA Australian Yachting Awards |publisher=[[World Sailing]] |date=29 May 2001 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120000613/http://www.sailing.org/news/17040.php |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
-In 2002 a  DVD video, "The spirit of vision quest : the Vinny Lauwers story", was released.<ref>{{cite book |title=The spirit of vision quest : the Vinny Lauwers story. |date=27 October 2016 |publisher=[[WorldCat]] |isbn=9781781316580 |oclc = 277169059|df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+In 2002, a DVD, ''The Spirit of Vision Quest: The Vinny Lauwers Story'', was released.<ref>{{cite book |title=The spirit of vision quest : the Vinny Lauwers story. |date=27 October 2016 |publisher=[[WorldCat]] |isbn=9781781316580 |oclc = 277169059|df=dmy-all }}</ref>
-Speaking of his crew members such as Lauwers and [[Liesl Tesch]], founder of Sailors with Disabilities, David Pescud said, "People are people first and your disability is either part of your life; it owns you or you own it. The guys I sail with, they own their disability and I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve sailed with some of the most amazing people."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Rolex_Sydney_Hobart_2012__Last_Hobarts__Never_Say_Never/105196 |title=Rolex Sydney Hobart 2012; Last Hobarts? Never Say Never |first=Crosbie |last=Lorimer |publisher=Sail-World Australia |date=1 January 2013 |access-date=19 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065803/http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Rolex_Sydney_Hobart_2012__Last_Hobarts__Never_Say_Never/105196 |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+Speaking of his crew members such as Lauwers and [[Liesl Tesch]], founder of Sailors with Disabilities, David Pescud, said: "People are people first and your disability is either part of your life; it owns you or you own it. The guys I sail with, they own their disability and I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve sailed with some of the most amazing people."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Rolex_Sydney_Hobart_2012__Last_Hobarts__Never_Say_Never/105196 |title=Rolex Sydney Hobart 2012; Last Hobarts? Never Say Never |first=Crosbie |last=Lorimer |publisher=Sail-World Australia |date=1 January 2013 |access-date=19 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065803/http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Rolex_Sydney_Hobart_2012__Last_Hobarts__Never_Say_Never/105196 |archive-date=20 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
 ==References==
@@ Line 50: / Line 52: @@
 [[Category:People with paraplegia]]
 [[Category:Recipients of the Australian Sports Medal]]
-[[Category:Recipients of the Centenary Medal]]
 [[Category:Single-handed circumnavigating sailors]]
 [[Category:Sportspeople from Melbourne]]
+[[Category:20th-century Australian sportsmen]]