Message from VVR's COO regarding our sail date delays
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Message from VVR's COO regarding our sail date delays
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Hoping the below letter from our COO helps shed some light on the delays we have encountered with our inaugural sail. It's the question I get all the time, and while I appreciate the concern, I remain committed to the company and the mission.
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On Saturday 8/24/24 - Our COO posted this letter to social media:
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I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting news about the progress of the Odyssey and real
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information regarding the delay. I’ve seen many negative comments and opinions about why we are
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where we are, so I would like to address this briefly.
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We embarked on an ambitious journey when we purchased the ship, anticipating smooth sailing
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ahead. However, we discovered that the ship’s certifications were completely out of class, and due
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to her being laid up for four years, we were treated as a "newbuild," which resulted in a much more
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extensive inspection process than we forecasted.
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One significant setback we encountered was the delay in the rudder stocks. As we decided to
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handle the necessary preparations at the yard rather than sending them to another location, the
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yard itself faced unforeseen challenges, including financial constraints and the loss of their CEO.
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These obstacles were beyond our control and affected us as the yard struggled to maintain
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resources in-house while undergoing reorganization. Nonetheless, we got through it, and we
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appreciate the efforts H&W provided as we managed to overcome these obstacles.
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Recognizing that the project was not advancing as efficiently as we had hoped, we made crucial
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internal changes to streamline operations and expedite the remaining work. Throughout this
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process, we maintained full transparency with our Residents, ensuring they were kept informed of
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both the challenges and the progress.
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Despite the rumors, misinformation, and negativity that sometimes surrounded our efforts, we have
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persevered. The silver lining in this delay is clear: Our beautiful Odyssey is now stronger and safer.
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Our Residents have had the unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new home, and
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many have taken this time to personalize and upgrade their living spaces.
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Most importantly, VVR, in collaboration with the Founders, has remained steadfast in our
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commitment to care for our Residents during this waiting period, providing lodging, transportation,
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airfare, and meals. We are now on the cusp of completing this unprecedented project, one that will
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soon become a reality, fulfilling the hopes and dreams of those who have patiently supported us.
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To those who felt compelled to pressure us into sharing information prematurely, we remind you
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that this project has always been about taking a calculated risk, and our priority has always been
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the well-being and safety of our Residents. We will not apologize for focusing on the task at hand
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rather than entertaining external demands.
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Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in us! The sun has been shining unusually bright in
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Belfast these past few days, which I see as a fitting metaphor—our moment of success is
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approaching! We look forward to our upcoming sea trials and our fast-approaching sail date. We
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embrace the challenges ahead as we build this company and foster a prosperous, vibrant
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community to circumnavigate the world together!
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Cheers
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Kathy, COO
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