The Maldives Yacht Rally 2024

Are you ready for the ultimate adventure? Join us for the 3rd Edition of Savaadheeththa Dhathuru, the annual sailing voyage presented by the Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC). This extraordinary event is designed to showcase the unparalleled beauty, diversity, and rich culture of the Maldives, exclusively experienced within the local islands.

"Savaadheeththa Dhathuru" Maldives Yacht Rally is an annual sailing event organized by MITDC, where sailors from across the globe participate in a journey across the Maldives seas. This rally allows participants to make stops at local islands, explore the culture and traditions, and experience the local lifestyle. The main focus and aim of this event are to promote nautical tourism as well as local island tourism. After the successful completion of two editions, the rally is now preparing for its highly anticipated third edition.

Following the resounding success of the previous two editions, we are thrilled to set sail for the third edition of Savaadheeththa Dhathuru Brace yourself for an experience like no other as we delve deeper into the heart of the Maldives, revealing its hidden treasures and untold stories. This year, we celebrate the theme of "Maldives: Small Country with a , Big Heart." Discover how this captivating nation with its idyllic islands and warm-hearted locals offers an experience that is larger than life. Immerse yourself in the enchanting culture, vibrant heritage, and remarkable hospitality that define the Maldives.

Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable journey! The rally is scheduled to commence on February 10th and sail until February 29th. Covering over 10 picturesque islands and anchoring at 7 breathtaking points, we invite you to join us as we navigate through the wonders of the Maldives. Picture yourself sailing amidst breathtaking vistas and exploring the unspoiled beauty of the Maldives. This year's rally will start from K.Kudagiri, crossing the equator, and will end at the southernmost point of Maldives, S.Gan. Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through these hidden gems.

Prepare for a wealth of extraordinary experiences as we voyage towards the southern region of the Maldives From crossing the equator to riding the thrilling waves at the best surfing spots of Maldives, snorkelling with gentle nurse sharks, exploring the famous shipwreck of Vaavu Atoll, reaching the southernmost point of the world, visiting the island where Star Wars Rouge One was filmed, indulging in exhilarating big game fishing, visiting the 2nd World War Royal Air Force Station at S. Gan, and discovering the best tiger shark dive spots, every moment will leave you breathless.

Our previous participants have described Savaadheeththa Dhathuru as a golden opportunity to explore the true essence of the Maldives. In 2024, we aim to surpass all expectations, providing you with an unparalleled chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture, heritage, and astounding hospitality of the locals. Let us guide you on a transformative journey that will create memories to last a lifetime.

MITDC invites all yachtsmen to embark on this extraordinary voyage of discovery. Experience the true essence of the Maldives by immersing yourself in its diverse society, vibrant culture, unique lifestyle, astonishing biodiversity, and rich history. Prepare to sail into the heart of the Maldives, where adventure and enchantment await.

The Savaadheeththa Dhathuru Maldives Yacht Rally is not just a sailing event; it's an opportunity to connect with the soul of the Maldives. With its stunning landscapes, crystalclear waters, and warm-hearted people, this event offers an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Join us on this incredible journey and discover the magic of the Maldives like never before.

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A new web-based app called the Marine Vessel Portal (MVP) has been developed to help New Zealand boat owners, marinas and councils reduce the risk of marine pest incursions. The MVP is already a key tool in marine biosecurity management, recording surveillance activity, findings and the presence of marine pests in bays and harbours from Northland to Bay of Plenty. It also records information about the regional hull surveillance programmes, including biofouling levels and pest species found on boats during routine inspections. By signing up to the MVP boat owners and marina operators can be empowered to better manage their biofouling risk.

The Portal will include:

Information about a boat’s recent hull maintenance or cleaning can be entered into the MVP by boat owners, maintenance contractors, haul outs and dive companies. The MVP also contains results from hull surveys undertaken by council marine biosecurity teams in Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

When a vessel arrives in a new location marina staff will be able to see when a boat was cleaned, its antifoul coatings, and details of recent inspections. This, along with talking with the boat owner about where a vessel has traveled, will help them decide if a boat presents a marine biosecurity risk or not.

How to get started

Boat owners can claim their boat in the system by entering some basic information about their vessel, including its name, description, usual location and their contact details. Uploading a photo is also helpful.

Once submitted, our team will work to match it up with a boat already in the system and ask the boat owner to confirm the match - or they will set up a new entry if needed.

With access to the MVP, owners can see details of past dive inspections of their vessel including any the level of fouling and marine pest species found. They can also add their own information about their vessel’s antifouling maintenance

Participating marina operators can view this information, negating the need for vessel owners to carry/email documents before arriving at a marina or in some cases, between regions.

The Marine Vessel Portal is an app developed and shared by Northland Regional Council, Auckland Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council. These councils are empowered to collect information about vessels by the Biosecurity Act, but participation by boat owners is optional.

When a boat owner claims their boat they will need to provide permission for the identity of their vessel to be confirmed with their marina operator (if applicable) and will have an opportunity to review and accept a Privacy Agreement. A two-step authentication process will protect the integrity of vessel data.