The first sailors have arrived in the Maldives for the inaugural Sail Maldives yacht rally that happens in about a months’ time.
On January 26th, the crew of British and Germans reached the shore of Maldives through Cochin, India. They announced that the weather was good for a safe passage via the route. The rally schedule was set delayed from its previously set date until February 25th as a precaution due to cyclones off the coast of Sri Lanka, which have fortunately scattered.
The Multihull is captained by George Calder. The British captain and his crew, his family and friends, are all in the Maldives for the first time. They were given a special gift by Sail Maldives’ organizer, Adeel Ahmed, on arrival at Uligamu island in Haa Alif Atoll.
Mr. Adeel said “We were really pleased to give our first participants a friendly Maldivian welcome and are looking forward to meeting many more over the coming weeks.”
He also presented the crew with coconut drinks in welcoming them and gave them a tour of Uligamu which also included meeting the island officials. These gestures reflect the spirit of Sail Maldives, which exhibits the charming cultural features of the fascinating island nation. On showcase for the rally, would be aspects such as traditional Maldivian drumming as well as offering a host of free activities including snorkeling and water-sports.
Mr Calder’s daughter, Mairi said: “We are happy to be in the Maldives and are really looking forward to Sail Maldives 2017! We arrived on the 26th from Langkawi, Malaysia after a good 11-day passage. Everything went smoothly and we made good time”.
“We arrived to meet Assad and his colleagues who have been tremendously hospitable. The clearance was quick and hassle-free and we were even brought a bouquet of frangipanis and fresh coconuts”.
“In the past three days, we have enjoyed a fish BBQ hosted by the local mayor, visited the nearest resort, learnt how to fish, climb a coconut tree and swam with dolphins and manta rays. We are looking forward to meeting everyone and enjoying what promises to be an amazing rally”.
“The Calder family is already having a wonderful time and everyone on-board is very excited to be here” Sail Maldives’ Yachting Agent, Assad Mohamed stated. “Our priority is providing a quality service, and no-one will be disappointed by the experience, now that a clear passage to the Maldives has opened up.”
Uligamu is the starting point of the rally, which proceeds south for 60 days, crossing the equator and eventually concluding in Addu Atoll. More participants can join at any point along the way.
Many more sailors are now preparing to embark on the journey to the Sail Maldives rally via India, Sri Lanka and Thailand, with a large number anticipated from Phuket.
For more information visit www.sailmaldives.net
