Ian Andrews
Crew
"Starting my 54th year onboard Oceans of Hope is a fantastic opportunity and I've wanted to be a part of this adventure since I read about it in my local MS newsletter and then getting to join the yacht for a taster sail in La Rochelle was great," says Ian Andrews. He was diagnosed with MS in 2002 and states that life has and continues to be a challenge, but that he is grateful that sailing is a part of his life and that he can still participate in it.
From a young age, sails and sea have had a big pull on Ian and he has been fortunate enough to experience some great moments as an able body person and now as a disabled body person.
"Having a debilitating illness can be frustrating and soul destroying. The very many losses, personal, family, work can leave one feeling useless and questioning one's existence and purpose on the planet. Sailing changes all that, it is uplifting, challenging and can put a smile on my face regardless of the day I am having," he says. Ian is looking forward to the challenge of sailing Oceans of Hope and he is excited to be sailing on the Mediterranean, which should be warmer than his usual sailing “turf” The Solent! "Going from Athens to Rome sharing the experience with other like minded people and then being able to revisit those memories on winter life days? Bliss !!"