[8][9][10] Lauwers spent seven years planning his voyage and building his yacht,[6] a Van de Stadt–designed 47 named Vision Quest.
Equipment problems included autopilot malfunctions, failed radar, and a self-destructing wind generator.
[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.
[18] In 2000 Lauwers was nominated for the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Sailor of the Year Awards.