The clouds parted yesterday afternoon just as the bridges in Copenhagen Harbour opened to let Oceans of Hope sail through on her way from Amaliehaven to Islands Brygge. Bathed in golden sunlight the boat was packed with MS crewmembers taking part in the last honourary sail of the world circumnavigation.

On the quayside in front of Kulturhuset Islands Brygge more than 300 supporters, family, friends and media waited and everyone cheered and waved flags as a gospel choir broke out in song to welcome the boat and her crew.

Mayor of Health and Care, Ninna Thomsen, gave a speech in support of the extraordinary effort put into the project demonstrating an innovative and admirable approach to healthcare. After the speech she, Janne Harder, Managing Director of Biogen Denmark, and Christian L. Bardenfleth, Chairman of the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Society, handed over champagne bottles to Oceans of Hope’s three skippers, Mikkel Anthonisen, Jens Als Andersen and Kristian Bo Echwald Hansen.

Afterwards the celebrations continued inside Kulturhuset Islands Brygge where Janne Harder gave a speech saying that, ”The vision of Biogen in Denmark is to turn Denmark into one of the best countries in the world to live in with MS. Oceans of Hope fits perfectly with this vision, which is the reason why we didn’t hesitate to support the project. It has been incredible to follow the yacht and her crew on their journey around the world and to witness that this adventure truly has meant that many people with MS and their families have changed their perception about how life with MS can be lived in a positive way."

Christian L. Bardenfleth also gave a moving speech acknowledging the remarkable feat of succeeding in turning what at first seemed like a crazy idea into reality. He also applauded Mikkel Anthonisen for his unique and philosophical approach to caring for people living with MS.

Mikkel Anthonisen warmly thanked everyone involved in turning the idea into reality, emphasizing that the project owes its success to having been a team effort every step of the way. He went on to stress that the Sailing Sclerosis Foundation has never been stronger or more alive, saying: ”We have good reason to expect great things from the future”.