Boats of Maldives

Raa atoll is famous for its boat building craftsmen, a skill that has been passed down from one generation to the next.
The design has not changed much during the centuries; an elegant sight to behold.
The whole process can take a few months, as the carpenter usually builds them with only a few tools and his experience.
Sheltered under a coconut-thatched hut the hull is built first, originally from the trunk of a coconut tree but nowadays more and more with imported wood.

Traditionally fish oil is painted on as a preservative. Over the last few years most dhonis have been mechanized, however a lot of them still carry a sail, which they use when there is good wind or trouble with the engine.

The dhoni is steered with the help of the helmsman's legs and the captain's knowledge of the sea and reefs.

A dhoni ride is always a great experience, but nothing compares to a night ride swaying gently in the sea with the stars above.