This morning Oceans of Hope is more than 200 nautical miles off the coast of Portugal with less than 300 miles to Madeira.

The Skipper reports that because the weather routing to Bermuda has put their course so close to Madeira, that they are considering a stopover there if the winds allow.  However, he adds, “We do not want to be stuck there, should the winds change. So it’s a good thing our daily weather forecasts keep us so well updated.”

In today’s blog, MS Crew member Mikkel Farver tells us that life is good on Oceans of Hope, “We are on our way to Boston.  I can't believe it... The atmosphere on board is very good.  We are enjoying the beautiful weather, the nice people – and the blue water.”

Mikkel is an experienced sailor and is quick to tell us what a “fantastic boat” Oceans of Hope is, “She sails very fast, and is very safe and steady.  We have sailed with genoa, jib and mainsail all day long with an average speed of approximately 8 knots.  It is amazing to stand behind the steering wheel, and control a 67 foot/45 tonne sailing yacht, and be in total control of the boat.”

However, it is the colour of the water that seems to be the main interest for those on board.  Both Mikkels – Mikkel Farver, MS Crew member and Mikkel Anthonisen, founder of the Sailing Sclerosis project - being very keen to tell us how, “incredibly blue the water is”.

Oceans of Hope is sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, calling in to Bermuda before arriving in Boston, USA, on 8 September. The yacht and crew will take centre stage at the joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS conference, the world’s largest annual international conference devoted to basic and clinical research in multiple sclerosis.

People with MS from all over the world can take part and places are still available on board throughout the journey. To find out more and to apply to take part, download the application forms.