With the future of the Vikings Sailing Club hanging in the balance, having to vacate their present site by October 24, Sport Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius said yesterday an alternative premises would be provided.

Speaking at Haywharf at the start of a 50-hour marathon, Mr Agius said the first “shock” he received upon his appointment was the news that the club had to move due to an EU-funded project undertaken by the Armed Forces of Malta.

“At that point, it was only hearsay but now it is official. We are having talks to be able to find an alternative site within the coming months. We hope it will be in the same environs,” he said.

Asked where the 40 sailing boats and three rescue vessels will be housed in the meantime, Mr Agius said the government was striving to find temporary premises.

We are having talks to be able to find an alternative site within the coming months

One of the options on the table was to have the club relocate to old garages behind its present premises at Haywharf in Marsamxetto harbour. However, the Land Department said the building was dangerous and had to be pulled down and rebuilt and the non-profit organisation could not afford it.

Also, a nearby public slipway could not be used because it was too short and was usually overcrowded.

Vikings committee members told Times of Malta that, notwithstanding the promise of alternative premises, they were still worried because, so far, the only document they had in hand was the eviction notice they were served with on July 25.

The Vikings Sailing Club has more than 200 member families.

During the 50-hour marathon, the club is offering the public the opportunity to experience dinghy sailing with the assistance of a qualified instructor against a donation.