'Sail Through Maldives' Yachting Rally 2023
by MITDC 10 Mar 2023 17:11 AEDT
1-18 March 2023
Experience the culture of the Maldives archipelago © Guy Nowell
Cruising south in the Indian Ocean, the remote islands of the Maldives are becoming increasingly accessible for visiting yachts and superyachts, while maintaining their charm as exclusive, off-the-beaten-track destinations. The small country is happy to report the second edition of 'Sail Through Maldives' Rally successfully started March 1st and will end March 18th.
The Rally began its journey starting from Noonu Atoll and will end in Alif Dhaal Atoll, having journeyed from the northern atoll to explore heritage sites on nine islands with stops at famous dive sites and sandbanks along the way. The rally is designed to give guests the opportunity to see local heritage sites on those islands, and experience the island lifestyle, cultural activities, diving, etc.
The official name,'Savaadheeththa Dhathuru', is a sailing event organized by the Maldives Integrated Tourism Corporation (MITDC) which invites saolors from all across the globe to participate in a journey through the Maldives seas, making stops at local islands, exploring the heritage, experiencing famous dive sites, sandbanks etc. The aim of the event is to promote Maldivian culture, heritage, and the rich history of the archipelago, as well as nautical tourism, and to exploit the benefits of strengthening these areas within the tourism industry of the country. It is very much hoped that this will become an annual event, depending on its initial success.
MITDC highlights this event as a tribute to one of the greatest rulers of the small island nation, As-Sultan al-Gaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam, or more famously known as Bodu Thakurufaanu. Organised by MITDC to "promote Maldivian culture and heritage, its rich history as well as nautical tourism", the first edition of 'Savaadheeththa Dhathuru' took place last year to commemorate the golden jubilee of tourism.
"We are embarking on this journey with a total of 13 yachts registered in six different countries. Sailors of 13 different nationalities will be sailing in these 13 yachts," said MITDC Managing Director Mohamed Raaidh at the opening ceremony in Landhoo. "And I am extremely pleased to announce that for the very first time, two vessels registered in the Maldives are also joining us in this rally."
Rally visitors will have the chance to experience the island lifestyle, and visit ancient shrines and coral stone mosques. Covering 169.62 nautical miles, the yachts will anchor at Lhaviyani Hinnavaru and Baa Goidhoo before heading to six islands in the central atolls of Alif Alif and Alif Dhaal - Thoddoo, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, Dhangethi, Dhigurah and Maamigili. The tour is due to end with a gala night at Maamigili.