Oceans of Hope and her crew arrived in Amsterdam to a warm Dutch reception on Thursday evening, where invited guests and dignitaries had the opportunity to find out more about their experiences on the journey from Kiel over drinks while a local band played for them.

Dutch crew member Peter van Polen was greeted by his family as he arrived in Amsterdam, but he now says goodbye to his fellow crew members as he finishes his part of the voyage.

The remaining crew have a two-day stopover in the Netherlands, where Oceans of Hope will be berthed alongside in Amsterdam Marina. On Saturday local people with MS will be enjoying a day’s sailing on Saturday in Ijmuiden as part of Oceans of Hope’s visit to the Netherlands.

Oceans of Hope will depart Amsterdam tomorrow afternoon heading for Portsmouth, the next port of call on her 61,000km round the world voyage, where a busy programme awaits and excitement is building ahead of the crew’s arrival.