The sun is shining and there’s a cloudless blue sky over Lisbon, just a slight mist over the water to bring a gentle sea breeze to cool things down for those busily preparing the marina for the arrival of Oceans of Hope this afternoon.

The 20-metre yacht is due to arrive in Marina Parque das Nações on the high tide between 4pm and 5pm this afternoon and will stay here until her departure on Saturday 2 August for the first transatlantic crossing of the 61,000-kilometre (33,000-nautical mile) voyage around the world.

There’s a packed programme of activity planned during the visit to the Portuguese capital, including taster sails for people with MS on board Oceans of Hope tomorrow afternoon.

The yacht will be open for the public to visit between 10am and 12 noon tomorrow (Tuesday 29 July) and on Thursday 31 July from 10am to midday and 4pm-6pm.  Come and have your photo taken in the Oceans of Hope photo booth and help raise money for SPEM, the Sociedade Portuguesa de Esclerose Múltipla.

Oceans of Hope’s permanent crew is also looking forward to hosting guests from the project’s official partner Biogen Idec on board on Wednesday.

(Closest vehicle access for visitors: Passeio do Adamastor.)