Gudrun V is a Kiwi now

Yesterday I went to the Customshouse to finish importation of Gudrun V into New Zealand. I presented the boat papers, my passport with resident visa, and the sale contract, and after 40 minutes of typing on the computer the friendly official handed over the stamped the "Delivery Order". Gudrun V is now a Kiwi. Cost: none.

The restrictions are that within the next wo years I am not allowed to sell Gudrun V or use her commercially, but that's fine. My plans for Gudrun V look a little different anyway. I would like to modify the interior to comfortably sleep six (two double, two single bunks), so that we can go out with friends and family for the weekend. Next time she's hauled out I want to do some modifications to the cockpit and superstructure to have more protection from the elements and a better ergonomy. They hadn't heared about those things when they built Gudrun in '81. And a new paint job.

A lot of work and money, but still a lot cheaper then selling her and buying a different boat - which would involve taxes and upgrades as well. And I'm much looking forward to exploring the NZ coastline and outlying Islands with Gudrun V.

So, end of the trip. Wow. What's next?

I've started a new software company and am building a business app, as well as some data migration tools and interfaces to my new client's ERP system. Sounds familiar, huh. This could be a similarly big thing to Transporeon, but my values changed a bit over the last years and I don't want to work 80 hrs a week just to make more money. There's too much fun to be had with the people around me, plus they can use my help, and then there's all that diving and photography to be done here as well. And I'm becoming passionate about governmental, economic, and environmental issues. NZ is not doing very well there at the moment, and it's my new home, therefor I care.

Four years on the boat haven't made me into a socialist tree (or dolphin) hugger, I'm still an entrepreneur at heart. But entrepreneurs care about sustainability, the long haul. And what's happening at the moment is not sustainable. It's not about saving the planet. The planet will be all right. It's about saving enough of the planet so that it's current inhabitants (e.g. us) will be all right as well.