The sun was shining this morning when Oceans of Hope bid “Auf Wiedersehen” to Germany and set off on the second leg of the 61,000-kilometre (33,000-nautical mile) voyage.

During their weekend stopover in Kiel the crew enjoyed talking about the project with the many enthusiastic members of the public who visited the boat.

Kiel city councillor, Gerwin Stöcken represented the city when he visited Oceans of Hope on Saturday afternoon. He said, “I think it is lovely when people who have an illness have the chance to live their lives as if they did not. They seem to live their dreams here on Oceans of Hope although they never could expect it.”

Dr Mikkel Anthonisen, the founder of Sailing Sclerosis Foundation and Oceans of Hope thanked the people of Kiel for such a warm welcome saying, "Oceans of Hope is the torch bearer for the idea of creating networks between the sailing and MS worlds and we hope that being here during one of Europe’s biggest sailing events, Kieler Woche, has allowed us to sow the seeds of an idea: to set up local sailing projects for people with MS, that will continue to grow in the months and years to come as they have done in Denmark.”

The next port of call on the global voyage is Amsterdam where Oceans of Hope is due to arrive on 26 June. She will be berthed at Amsterdam Marina and there will be an opportunity for people living with MS in the Netherlands to try sailing during the stopover. Dutchman Peter van Polen, 44, who works in facility management for the Dutch police, has joined Oceans of Hope as a crew member for the second leg and his family will be in Amsterdam Marina to welcome him home. 

The father of two, who was diagnosed with MS in 1999 said, “I love everything about the water, I used to have a boat and sailed as a child so I’m looking forward to being back on the water.”

People with MS from all over the world will be taking part in the event. Places are still available on board throughout the voyage. You can also take part in taster sails in each of the ports of call around the world. To find out more about this unique journey and to apply to take part, download the application pack.