June 30, 2024

Ship Update #4

DANG RUTTERS!!!

I know in a few months this will all be a distant memory and it' paramount that SAFETY IS FIRST! But Dang the rutter stock replacement has really been problematic in allowing us to set sail! Tuesday night we got the news that the milling and final fittings for the new rudder stocks was extremely slow going and that we are going to be further delayed in our Belfast Dry Dock. The latest prediction for being able to sail is now somewhere around July 20th. They will continue to keep us in the loop - we typically get updates on Tuesday and Friday each week, and being a Founder member, I get addition insights along with other Founder's (small group of about 40 of us, who gave additional funds to have a financial stake in the company and have a share in the company ownership).

PORT DEARAU, FIJI - Naidiri Village

By Patricia Patrick • December 4, 2025
Today we went to see the coastal Naidiri Village that has recently won the Top Prize in global restoration, for their ocean reef project. The reef restoration was borne out of necessity to solve their dwindling food/ main protein source for the village, of fish. It was started by 2 of the villages rugby players and today is run by the local teenagers (mostly boys) in the village. It was great seeing how empowered and proud they were of their amazing efforts.

LAUTOKA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
The port agent offered several trips to areas around Lautoka . We chose the trip to Serenity Island Resort which included van and boat transfers and lunch. It was a really nice day enjoying the sun, reef, pool, turtles and amenities!

RIVER TUBING DOWN THE NAVUA, SUVA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
I organized a group tour for a fun day experience. We had a great day despite the rain that decided to join in. We started with a 45 minute van ride out through the city, into the countryside. Then we got in long boats and went up river to a waterfall, some swam or cheered on the guides to cliff dive. Then back in the boats to visit Sabata Village where 50 family members live as a community existing totally off the land, along the river. Next was a quick boat ride to our BBQ lunch spot. After lunch we got to tube down the river, through light rapids, for just about an hour. We ganged our tubes together with the guide - we had a chain of 14 in my group and the guides totally blew us away singing hymns for a good chunk of the journey. It was truly moving in that place with the rain drizzling and all of us linked together. Loved it!