Odin Djoenne's friends and family think he's a bit mad - but he's living his dream and loving it.
The Norwegian man has spent the past six months at Whangarei's Town Basin, on board his 6.7m-long yacht he sailed all the way from Norway.
Some time next week he'll leave for New
Caledonia, continuing his mission of circumnavigating the world - a distance of approximately 40,000km.
Compared with the ocean-faring boats at the Town Basin, Odin's yacht Valkyrien is tiny.
"It's just the right size for me, and maybe one other person," he said.
"It's just as safe as bigger boats but maybe just a little more uncomfortable in rough seas!"
The boat is equipped with an iPod and speakers, digital camera and laptop, so Odin is able to update his friends and family on his travels, and also update his website.
A small boat means he needs to pack it carefully.
"I'm very good now at bringing only light food and supplies, and choosing to take only what I need."
Odin fishes a lot, which means he catches much of his food as he sails.
He says he considers Whangarei his "home" now, and loves the friendliness of the people.
"Here, everyone smiles at you and says hello, even if they don't know you. In Norway it wouldn't be like that, if you didn't know your neighbour you just wouldn't even look at them."
Odin - who is a baker by trade but was working in marine supplies before he left - began his journey from his hometown of Kopervik, in south-western Norway, on May 1, 2006.
Since then he's travelled through the Mediterranean Sea, and along the eastern Spanish coast. He picked up a helmsman, childhood friend Vidar Krovik, in Gibraltar and crossed the Atlantic to New Zealand - spending as much time as he pleased in countries along the way.
He was happy to have Vidar along for company for a while, but after parting ways in New Zealand Odin is now looking forward to his next journey, solo to New Caledonia, then Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Thailand for Christmas.
After two years on the high seas, Odin still loves ocean life, but admits he'll be happy to be "back earning money" when he returns home in mid-2010.
Odin says the best part of sailing is the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want.
"It's the best when it's just you, your boat, and the open ocean. Nothing could be better."
• For more information on Odin's boat and trip, and to follow his travels, go to www.valkyrien.tk.
Odin Djoenne's friends and family think he's a bit mad - but he's living his dream and loving it.
The Norwegian man has spent the past six months at Whangarei's Town Basin, on board his 6.7m-long yacht he sailed all the way from Norway.
Some time next week he'll leave for New
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