An amazing day in Lisbon for our favourite 20-metre yacht. Oceans of Hope wowed visitors this morning and welcomed guests on board for two taster sails this afternoon. 

It’s part of the Oceans of Hope project’s mission, to create links between the sailing and MS communities and in ports of call local people with the disease are invited to sail on board.  The Oceans of Hope yacht was named on World MS Day, and the theme this year is ‘access’. As well as giving people access to sailing, the project also hopes to create a legacy whereby people who have joined the taster sails discover their passion for sailing is reignited and they find a way to continue.

Today 16 people with multiple sclerosis sailed on board and had a fantastic few hours on the water, returning with huge smiles on their faces. As the first group headed back to the hospitality tent for some food and refreshments one of the guests, Ana, laughed, “It was brilliant, I want to go again.”

“Well, we have a spare space,” came the reply.

“No, I haven’t had lunch yet, I’d better not.”

“Get on board; we’ll bring you some food.”

Lunch was duly delivered to the boat and a beaming Ana was off again, reporting, “It was even better than the first time!” when she came back in. “There was more wind, the boat was going faster. It was really, really good!”

Several of those who sailed this afternoon are now considering applying to take part in the round the world voyage on board – the first circumnavigation by a yacht with a working crew including people with multiple sclerosis.

There are places available for people from all over the world to take part. Find out more and download the application forms here.

Also on board today were two television crews. Look out for the reports on SIC and RTP this week. Keep an eye on our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter for transmission times and check out the Gallery for more photos from today.

Oceans of Hope will once again be open for public visits on Thursday 31 July from 10am to midday and 4pm to 6pm. There will be free shuttle buses running from Vasco da Gama shopping centre to the yacht at Marina Parque das Nações.