CAPT. MIKE IN THE MALDIVES: DAY SEVEN

After breakfast we left the South Male atoll having spent the past six days at numerous reefs and sand banks. Getting in a number of snorkels and basically just relaxing and enjoying the experience.  As we left the South Male atoll and headed north to the the North Male atoll we began to experience some of the Indian Ocean  swells.

It was amazing to me how well protected anchoring inside the atoll is. The fringing reefs, sand banks and inside reefs really knock down the wave action. Making for very calm anchorages even when the winds might be blowing 15 knots or so.

But, the downside of having all those reefs and sandbanks is that it makes sailing these waters pretty treacherous if you do not have local knowledge of these waters. Without good charts and GPS I think it could be a rather anxious and tedious voyage inside the atoll especially if the light is wrong. It makes it very difficult to spot many of the danger spots like reefs. For example without this tower the reef below it would be pretty hard to spot with the conditions this day:

That's why Capt. Mike is glad to let our local Maldivian Captain deal with the hazards of these waters while I just kick back and take it all in. Like checking out the local fishing boats as they headed out to catch tuna and other fish in the ocean:

As we entered into the North Male atoll. Some Dolphins came out to greet us. Always a good sign:

We had a morning snorkel off the Baros Resort house reef and then anchored for lunch and overnight near a small sand bank (04 12.527N, 073 26.039E):

Speaking of lunch. It was another pinch me moment as Ibrahim placed on the table some more of the Red Snapper caught last night. This time fried in a curry flavored batter. Looks like chicken but, tastes even better:

Later in the afternoon I jumped in the water with my mask for a swim. There was quite a strong current running. Strong enough to turn the idle props of the boat. So I just hung on to the ladder and let the current wash over me while watching the fish some thirty feet below.  Towards evening things started to get pretty active on near the reef. So Ibrahim and Issac were trying their luck again fishing:

But, the action was just beyond their reach. So they jumped in the dingy to try and get closer:

But, it was all in vain as they came back empty. But, meanwhile back on the anchored catamaran. My girlfriend and I were entertained by two Manta Rays that were feeding around the boat for about forty five minutes:

You'll have to take my word that this was one of the Manta Rays as the light was not quite right to video it clearly. Still it was a great way to end our first day in the North Male atoll.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CAPT. MIKE IN THE MALDIVES: DAY 6 POST

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CAPT. MIKE IN THE MALDIVES: DAY 8 POST

CAPT. MIKE IN THE MALDIVES: DAY SIX

  Well another day begins with coffee at dawn. Breakfast and a stop at two reefs for some snorkeling before stopping at a sand bank for lunch (04 03.253N, 073 23.460E).

At another nearby sand bank a work boat was anchored near shore.

They were collecting sand to be used in various construction projects possibly at one of the many new resort projects that the Maldivian Government has approved to bring more tourism to the islands.  Meanwhile Issac was trying to catch some fish who were creating some excitement near the reef.

 Unfortunately, nothing landed on the hook.  Still as I sat up forward the scene just called out for a beer:

 As Maldives have no local brews. A Tiger beer from Singapore will have to do and it does. Speaking of Capt. Mike drinking a beer.

Well, even though Issac was unsuccessful we still had past successes to enjoy for lunch:

Two more snorkels followed in the afternoon. Making a total of four for the day. It's just delightful to spend a good amount of time in these waters and not just above them as the variety and amount of fish is amazing. We stopped Velassaru Faru and anchored near the Laguna Maldives resort (04 06.928'N, 073 25.635E) for the nights anchorage:

A little after sundown I noticed a pail with some Mackerel bait on the stern. These are called Moshimus locally.

We were relaxing on the trampoline forward reading our Kindles while waiting for dinner. Then we heard some commotion at the stern. Issac and Ibrahim had something on one of the hand lines they had dropped over the side:

You can tell by the smile on Ibrahim's face that he is pretty pleased with the catch;



Who could blame him after catching a nice Red Snapper like this on a hand line:

 

 

It was not long before Issac was scaling and cleaning the fish or as Ibrahim liked to call it "doing a post mortum".  

 

After Issac was finished back in the galley Ibrahim was still smiling at our good fortune as he gave the Red Snapper filets a final rinse:

 

There was a little change in the menu for dinner as Ibrahim provided me with another pinch me moment as he served up some pan fried Red Snapper that was landed less than an hour before:

 

Now that's what I call eating fresh fish. But, that's not all! Neptune was in a generous mood this evening as he also gave us another Red Snapper too. Which Ibrahim holds up before he begins the "post mortum" on this 30 lb beauty:

 

 

It's our last night in the South Male atoll and the Red Snappers are almost like a parting gifts to remind us of our wonderful journey through this part of the Maldives. Tomorrow we head north.

CLICK HERE FOR CAPTAIN MIKE IN THE MALDIVES: DAY FIVE POST

CLICK HERE FOR CAPT. MIKE IN THE MALDIVES: DAY SEVEN POST