Please select your home edition
Edition
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - LEADERBOARD

100 sailors, 100 nautical miles: MS Sailing Charity Oceans of Hope launches challenge like no other

by Oceans of Hope 27 Jun 2024 21:52 BST 30 June - 14 July 2024
MS Sailing Charity Oceans of Hope launches the Sail the Solent challenge © Oceans of Hope

Over 100 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) will set sail from Port Solent Marina over an action-packed two weeks, June 30th to July 14th, 2024.

The Sail the Solent challenge is the first time an event of this scale has been attempted in the UK. The challenge, which launches at 10 am on Sunday, June 30th, will set sail each day at 10:30 am from Port Solent, with 7 participants and MS on board the sailing vessell Kotari.

A mix of experienced sailors and complete novices will join the challenge, supported by a crew with MS or first-hand experience of the condition. While exploring the stunning waters of the Solent, the crew will help participants build strength and confidence and challenge their limitations. For newly diagnosed people, the challenge is an opportunity to experience new possibilities and connect with others with MS in a social environment.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with multiple sclerosis to try and explore possibilities after diagnosis.

"We want to encourage newly diagnosed people, in Hampshire and beyond, and their careers, to get involved in this unique event and challenge themselves in a way they thought impossible." - Oceans of Hope, UK CEO Robert Munns

Oceans of Hope, UK, is a charity that supports people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in improving their mental and physical health through sailing. Sailing endeavours such as the Sail the Solent challenge provide participants, many of whom will be newly diagnosed, with a sense of camaraderie, friendship, and mutual understanding.

For many Sailors, this will be their first taste of sailing, an opportunity to discover the restorative and regenerative power of being on the water. It is hoped that the Sail the Solent challenge will be an opportunity for many to take the helm and ignite a new journey of self-discovery and a life of new possibilities.

Natalie Turner, who lives with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), is looking forward to setting sail on Sunday 30th June

"My first sailing experience was in October 2022, followed by another memorable sail in November 2022. Now, almost two years later, I'm thrilled to be joining likeminded individuals on my next Day Sail and rediscover the joy and liberation that sailing brings.

I may have forgotten some of those nautical knots but I'm confident with the support of the crew that I'll quickly find my sea legs again and be helping onboard, whether it's pulling up the anchor, raising the mainsail, or simply making cups of tea for the crew, I'm ready to embrace every special moment on board and I'm extremely grateful to Oceans of Hope UK for making this possible and for continuing to make a profound difference in the lives of people with MS."

Over 80% of the charity's first-time sailors joining challenges such as this continue to attend day sail events or progress their skills through other sailing events and qualifications.

As well as guaranteeing sailors a fabulous time, the chance to make lifelong friends, and the development of skills, some 'Sail the Solent' participants will use this two-week challenge to raise £1 per nautical mile and help the charity make a difference to even more people with MS.

For more information on Oceans of Hope, visit the charity's website: www.oceansofhope.co.uk

Related Articles

Merlin Rocket River Championships at Upper Thames
Ollie Meadowcroft and Alex Pausey win at Bourne End Week With a breezy forecast for the three day event held over the Bank Holiday weekend fourteen boats entered the Merlin River Champs, held as part of Bourne End Week. Posted today at 6:58 am
Summer Youth Olympic Games equipment confirmed
Dakar 2026 will feature 2 sailing events in the Techno293 World Sailing is pleased to announce the selection of Techno293 as the equipment used in competition at the upcoming Summer Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, being held from 31 October to 13 November 2026. Posted today at 6:08 am
Superyacht Cup Palma 2025 count down begins
New entries and a new home base location at the prestigious Club de Mar-Mallorca The countdown has begun for Europe's longest running superyacht regatta, with a new-look Superyacht Cup Palma 2025 all set for a spectacular 29th edition from 25-28 June. Posted on 28 May
RS Feva UK National Championships
Big winds, fancy dress and competitive racing The sun might have stayed hidden this bank holiday weekend, but the wind certainly showed up in force for the 2025 RS Feva National Championships. Over 90 dinghies from across the UK gathered at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club in Scotland. Posted on 28 May
Dutch Youth Regatta - EuroCup 6 is about to begin
Making waves right away is Sweden's Henric Wigforss, the Optimist World Champion Get ready - 43 teams from eight countries are set to hit the water for one of the most exciting youth sailing events of the year! Posted on 28 May
Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta day 1
Ideal conditions for starting the Southern Wind RendezVous and Trophy The 2025 edition of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, organised by the YCCS with the support of title sponsor Giorgio Armani, got under way right on time today, 28 May 2025 at 11.30 a.m. on the waters off Porto Cervo. Posted on 28 May
CIC Normandy Channel Race day 4
Heavy two-way traffic in the Celtic Sea Virtually all the fleet has now rounded the compulsory Chaussée de Sein passage mark off the west coast of Brittany. The Class40 Bleu Blanc Planète Location is currently bringing up the rear after a pit stop in Roscoff to repair a cracked rudder bearing. Posted on 28 May
America's Cup Power Plays
And Growing Sailing Through Learning There's always so much speculation and intrigue in-between each edition of the America's Cup. Everyone wants to know what is happening behind closed doors, inside the teams, and when the Challengers meet with the Defender. Posted on 28 May
Northern Irish sailors shine at RS Feva Nationals
Ben McCaldin finished as first junior All Northern Irish sailors made it into the Gold Fleet, which represents the top selection of boats after the initial races, highlighting the quality of local sailors here in Northern Ireland. Posted on 28 May
Europe class UK Nationals runners and riders
Some big names are in the mix this weekend at Stokes Bay As the 2025 UK Europe National Championships approach, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most competitive events in recent memory. With a stacked fleet of seasoned champions, fresh talent, and local heroes all eyeing the title. Posted on 28 May