Oceans of Hope Our Team

The team running the Oceans of Hope Challenges are truly unique, they understand MS because they live with it.

They recognise how these events can transform people’s lives because their own lives have been changed.

They really understand how to help people with MS to regain their strength and confidence from the moment they join us on board.

Image of the Oceans of Hope team all wearing dark blue tee shirts and holding up a large white Oceans of Hope flag with masts of yachts in the background

Robert Munns (CEO)

Robert is co-founder and CEO of Oceans of Hope UK. He lives in Brighton. Ever since childhood holidays on boats in Norfolk, he has spent most of his personal and professional life bobbing about in boats; as a private charter skipper. Inspired by his own journey with MS, Rob is determined to create even more opportunities for others to experience the same sense of empowerment that he experienced on board Oceans of Hope during the circumnavigation.

Nicola Kaufman (Chair)

Nicola grew up on the Isle of Wight, before living in London and working in public sector HR for 15 years. Following medical retirement due to MS at age 38, she embarked on a complete lifestyle change – moved to the countryside, learnt to sail, and co-founded Oceans of Hope UK. She lives with her husband, 2 cats and their Romanian rescue dog Bella in West Sussex.

Tracy Edwards (Patron)

Tracy won international fame in 1990 as the skipper of the first all-female crew to sail around the world when they raced maiden in the 1989/90 Whitbread round the world race.

Despite fierce opposition and sexism, Tracy and her team won two of the toughest legs on the course and came second overall. It was a landmark moment for the sailing world and opened the door for competitive female sailing. Tracy and her team showed everybody that despite all the people that doubted her and all the challenges that faced her; if you “just stick to it,” anything is achievable.

The Maiden Factor foundation was set up to promote and fundraise for the education of 130million girls worldwide who are currently denied this basic right. Maiden is now back on the water and sailing 90,000 miles, visiting forty destinations in 22 countries over the next three years.

Having Tracy on board, not only as a world beating sailor, but as a daughter and a mother is a huge honour is and milestone in the story of Oceans of Hope UK. Tracy has first-hand experience of dealing with Multiple Sclerosis and this makes her motivation, and our association even stronger.

Tracey Edwards celebrates with her fellow crew-mates after completing the 1989/90 Whitebread around the world race on Maiden

“My Mum battled MS for years and was always looking for ways to stay active. Sailing is perfect to help combat this awful disease. I am delighted to support Oceans of Hope UK.”
Tracy Edwards