A former nurse now struggling with multiple sclerosis said her experience on board the Tenacious had been an "inspiration".

Lindsey McGrath, 43, sailed from Antigua to Hamilton on her third trip with the Jubilee Sailing Trust.

Miss McGrath, from Liverpool, in the UK, was diagnosed with MS in 1999 but said she had recently felt her condition was worsening.

This voyage as such was not just a physical journey but also one of hope.

On board the tall ship she climbed the mast, challenged her shipmates to backgammon and engaged in football banter in support of her team Everton.

"This trip has been really inspiring and has helped me so much to achieve things I thought I wasn't going to be able to do anymore," said Miss McGrath.

"For me it's a very personal thing to be able to do an assisted lift (up the mast) because I know and feel the MS is getting harder, so it's such an uplifting thing for me.

"It makes me feel worthwhile because of not working anymore — knowing I can still do things and meet challenges.

"It makes me feel I can live with my 'monster', as I call it."

She added: "The crew have been absolutely fantastic. There's no pressure to do things but you just get carried away with it all. Most of the people on board just get enthralled.

"And those who don't have disabilities gain a real insight into what it's like to be disabled.

"This experience sees you as being no different, whether you are able-bodied or disabled. I think that's quite unique, and the sailing has been wonderful."