Cruise liners to make way for regatta boats

Fears that this year's traditional September 8 regatta in Grand Harbour will be postponed by a day because of visiting cruise liners were allayed yesterday after it was agreed that the liners would berth at an alternative location.

With four cruise liners due in Grand Harbour on Friday, it would have been impossible for spectators to watch the keenly contested races from the Valletta side. Berthing at the Waterfront would have also interfered with the spectacle.

National Festivities chairman Nazju Abela said proposals to postpone the regatta met with stiff opposition particularly from the clubs taking part. The government was also against the idea of a postponement.

After talks with all the parties involved and with the Office of the Prime Minister, it was decided that the liners will berth on the other side of the port and tourists will be brought to Valletta by means of a shuttle service. The 10 regatta races will be held between 2 and 6 p.m.

Arrangements are being made by the National Festivities Committee and the organisers of the Air Rally of Malta so that aircraft taking part in this year's rally will fly past Grand Harbour as part of the regatta programme.

The National Festivities Committee said it has reached agreement with the Malta Olympic Committee (MOC) so that doping tests normally held during the regatta races would, as of this year, be held jointly between the two committees under the supervision and guidance of MOC officials.

Taking part in this year's regatta are boats from Birzebbuga, Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Kalkara, Senglea, Marsa and Marsamxett.