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).

By Pat Patrick • October 1, 2026
WOW!! I can't believe it has been two years of sailing around the World already for me and my fellow shipmates on the Villa Vie Odyssey! We left Belfast, Ireland back on September 30, 2024 and it has been such a great adventure to date! We have been to 201 different ports, some more than once, during those two years, with much more to come!
By Pat Patrick • September 29, 2026
Before coming to Cambodia , I sadly have to admit I was unaware of the landmine problems they face. On our first night in Siem Reap, where we hiked up the hill to try and see the sunset views, there was a small band of men playing instruments and our tuk tuk driver explained to me they were victims of landmine explosions who had lost limbs or their sight and were trying to make money via donations to support their families.
By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.