Maldives Rally 2023
This post is dedicated to the team that organized the Maldives Rally 2.0. Mohd Raaidh and his team were fantastic! The treatment we received, especially from Destiny, was excellent. They truly were a magical team, going above and beyond to accommodate the 12 boats in the rally. The police and the agent were also very helpful; I genuinely cannot think of anything negative to say about the experience. The arrangements were exceptional!
Maldives Rally Map and stops.
The amazing reception we received on the islands was the good thing that differentiates this from just going on holiday in Maldives. These are not touristy islands and are not just those which would cater to the high-end tourism market but to see the island folk in their natural state.
The other cruisers from Western nations complained about what they perceived about the so-called “views”—albeit the Western agenda. When we arrive in someone’s home, we are expected to follow their specific rules and not assume that it is an infringement on their own rights.
e.g., Parading in Bikinis in and around town with the normal populace. The Maldives has a predominantly Muslim population, and these sorts of dress codes are not allowed in their religion. It is also a cultural issue for them. Please note that the sailors are in the Maldives and NOT their own country. Respect the difference, and do not try to impose your beliefs on others! It's very disheartening to see these attitudes by the cruisers.
Maldives Island Visit
Anchored
Alongside in Landhoo
With Tristan , a British circumnavigator
Delivering the opening address on behalf of the cruisers at the Rally Launch
The Malaysian Representation - 2 boats SY Hanakin and SY Destiny 12
Mohd Raaidh ( 2nd from left) and his AMAZING Team
After finishing the rally, it was still too early in the season to head south and then across toward South Africa. Therefore, I decided to leave Destiny in Crossroads and return to Malaysia for a short while. My son had his graduation during this time as well. The next trip will begin in May. At this point, we were still awaiting approvals from the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) to proceed to Chagos.
