Dhoni

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A Dhoni without lateen sails.

A Dhoni with lateen sails.

For the Indian cricketer, see Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Dhoni or Doni (Dhivehi: ދޯނި pronounced Dōni) is a multi-purpose sail boat with a motor or lateen sails that is used in the Maldives. It is handcrafted and its use within the multi-island nation has been very important. A dhoni resembles a dhow, a traditional Arab sailing vessel.

The traditional dhoni is one of the oldest known sea transporting vessels in the Maldives. Many of these traditional sailing vessels were, of necessity, built using coconut palm timber. The sailing dhoni was used in earlier days by Maldivian fishermen. During the industrial revolution many fisherman changed to a mechanized dhoni.

A modern dhoni often has an engine and is built using fibreglass. Many are now capable of high speed launch and come equipped with a steering wheel, fully furnished chairs, and benches.

[edit] See also

Bokkura

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