New RMYC site deal in the offing

The Minister for Urban Development, Jesmond Mugliett, hopes to finalise the agreement on new premises for the Royal Malta Yacht Club within the next four to five weeks, meaning that the move can be submitted to Parliament in February for approval.

Mr Mugliett said the club will be given a foreshore site facing the Strand in Gzira and would include a pontoon. The club has to move from its present site at Couvre Porte, on Manoel Island, as the site forms part of the Midi concession. However, Midi has the right to veto the new location and facilities and was objecting to the club having catering facilities.

"My understanding is that Midi was not trying to stop the club from having a restaurant or bar as such but that it was against the club using the facilities for things like weddings or car launches that are not related to sailing. I believe that a solution has been found and hope to resolve the legal issues now," he told The Times.