Vinny Lauwer
Solo Mission Around the World

Vinny Lauwrer

1. What inspired you to sail around the world?

That's a funny one, actually. I always wanted to sail around the world ever since I was about fourteen years of age. But when I had my accident in 1990 at 22 years of age I completely lost my dream, of sailing, believing it was never achievable again.

One day I watched a video of Kaye Cotti, the first woman who sailed around the world solo non stop, unassisted. It really inspired me I felt so alive. I imagined doing something like that with a permanent disability. That's where it all came from.

2. How old were you when you started sailing?

I was 12 when I started. At 12 years of age I owned a little dinghy boat that I used to sail around in.

3. What do you enjoy the most about sailing?

I just love everything that it has to offer in the way that when you are out in the water it is clear. It's beautiful. It's mother nature at best and sometimes at it's worse. There are other times you can be in a howling storm and sometimes it can be as flat as a tack and you can see the most spectacular sunsets or the most beautiful day.

4. What is your favourite memory of your trip?

When I was sailing around the world I was there for 71/2 months without stopping anywhere. I was at sea the whole time. I had to be completely self efficient. Some days I'd sit and watch the most beautiful sunset or dolphins swimming around the boat in what looked like the most spectacular scenes.

5. Were there any life threatening situations?

Yes, there were quite a few.

6. How has sailing made an impact on your life?

It has made an impact to my life in the way that I love the water and the sea for what it's worth. One impact on me is that it allows me to do the things that I love in life, and what I get out of it. It's changed me in the way that I can get out doing things that I love. I see my disability as a physical limitation, not a disability.

7. How long did it take you to sail around the world?

It took me 233 days. Quite a long time to be by yourself without anyone.

8. What other achievements have you accomplished in your life?

Well, I got married in December 2000. I married my soul mate Becky. I represented Australia in the FESTPIC Games in Beijing, China, competed in the 10k and 41k marathons in the Wheelchair Road Racing, Yusaki Yacht Race and competed in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht races in 1995 and 1996 only having 2 people on board, myself and my coach. We were the first people with a disability to complete this. Another accomplishment is that I built my own yacht to sail around the world. Being 15 metres long, it was no easy task. It has everything except for all the luxuries. I only had a kitchen (galley), and a stereo system.

9. Do you feel that you have gained more respect from able bodied people?

Yes, that's a good question, The main big thing is a lot of able bodied people who have done a lot of motivational sailing find it hard to comprehend how I can do something like that with only less than half the use of my body. The amazing thing isn't that I've gained respect, but that I've enabled people to believe that they are capable of doing anything.

Rather than looking at someone for their physical mishap, look at them for who they are and what they can do. I look at it that way. I also go out there and talk to kids who have some sort of problems in their life, but I help them to believe in themselves, to look in the mirror and feel good about who they are.

10. What goals do you have planned for the future?

I have got a few big ones. My main one is to get out there helping kids in a motivational way. That's my life long achievement, to really enjoy life.

Rachael Lynch
Youth@bility Reporter

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For more information on Vinny's voyage, visit www.parasail.com.au