Don't forget the 'Gan Boats' - Palm wood (?) models of a typical Maldivian dhow which were also quite popular. Unfortunately although I got mine home with the rigging still intact central heating did for it in quick time. - Shackman
These Dhonis moored at Gan conveyed the islanders working at Gan to and from the further away islands such as Hittadu. They had masts with sails that could be raised that allowed them to make good progress in the fairly regular winds. - Warmtoast
Curiously enough, I was asked only the other day to set up the sail and rigging on a model dhoni which had been given to a friend by the butler of his accommodation on Meeru. Just glad that it wasn't rigged like the "Bigaloo"....
Very taken by your photographs, Warmtoast - no wonder you were asked back!
Jack