Saturday was packed full of action for Oceans of Hope. The day began with our first local MS patient taster sail, introducing Floridians to the challenges and joy of setting sail. It was a diverse group of guests, including Harvey Horvitz, who is 83 years old and has been living with MS for 56 years. Harvey  has done a lot of fundraising for MS and helped the City of Boca Raton back in the 90’s arrange for “surf chairs” which permitted easy access to the beach for disabled people in wheelchairs. Joining Harvey, was Angelina Leary, 18, who was just recently diagnosed with MS in October of this year.

The sunshine escorted Oceans of Hope out into the Atlantic and along the beautiful shoreline of southern Florida. The Fort Lauderdale beaches did not disappoint, and all those onboard for the adventure enjoyed a completely new experience. The afternoon brought a second group of people living with MS who were equally enthusiastic about Oceans of Hope.

Following a busy day on the water, the Oceans of Hope crew did not retire for the evening, but rather transitioned into a completely different mode. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation invited all Oceans of Hope crew and land-based team to their annual “Hat’s Off” gala event. The highlight of this festive affair was when MSF Co-Executive Director Jules Kuperberg presented Dr. Mikkel Anthonisen with the “Beacon of Light” award.

Rarely a dull moment for anyone involved with Oceans of Hope, Sunday brings a new MS crew that will sail out of Fort Lauderdale in the coming days.

Check out the latest photos from our taster sails: