Having spent a peaceful night lying at the end of the 100km (55 nautical miles) Kieler Kanal, Oceans of Hope and her crew went through the locks of the canal this morning.

They are now heading north west towards the North Sea and planning for a stretch of nighttime sailing.

Skipper Kristian Bo said that the crew are in good spirits and looking forward to setting sail, "Hopes are high and the weather is great for sailing; the wind is picking up and we have the sun seem to be showing the way this afternoon."

Crew member Inia Hapiach was amazed to see the huge tankers and freight ships that are travelling through the narrow channel that is the Kieler Kanal. She said, "I can’t believe it. It’s even more impressive when we are side by side in the locks to the channel and you see how tiny we look next to them."

She also revealed that she had a new role, having been appointed the "barista of the yacht!". Adding that, "There is  hardly ever a moment, when one of the crew isn’t ready for the a cup of coffee!"