The government has promised the Viking Sailing Club in Haywharf, Floriana, which is being evicted from its premises, a suitable alternative but the club is concerned as no viable solution has been offered so far.

The non-profit-making organisation, which has been operating since 1984, took over the current building 10 years ago through a unanimous parliamentary vote.

Although the lease still has six years to run, the club was served with an eviction notice to vacate the premises by October 25 due to plans to build a new marina at Sa Maison, Pietà.

Speaking during the launch of the club’s 50-hour sailing marathon this afternoon, Sports Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius told the club the government was working on a solution and he promised that one would be found.

The club’s premises are needed for an AFM project using EU funds.

The club has been offered the quarters behind their existing building but the site was condemned and needed to be rebuilt, something, it did not have the necessary funds for, and the slipway was public and not ideal for sailing boats as it was too short.

The current premises houses 40 sailing boats and three rescue boats. An old school next to the public library in Floriana was being discussed for temporary storage but its use was not practical since it was nowhere near the water.

With more than 200 member families, the Vikings Sailing Club serves as a gathering point for hundreds of Maltese who come together for the array of events the club organises on a regular basis.

These include young children’s training courses, open race days, barbeque gatherings, country-themed cuisine nights and dinghy regattas.