The Vikings Sailing Club has suspended its operations indefinitely after being evicted from its premises in Haywharf, Floriana two weeks ago.
Vice commodore Mike Fenech told Times of Malta the government had officially secured alternative premises directly behind the old Haywharf clubhouse in Marsamxetto harbour.
Sailing is not like football, you can’t just relocate to another ground
However, the building was derelict and had to be pulled down and rebuilt. The non-profit organisation could not afford the expense.
“We’re happy that we’ve been given alternative premises, which are practically 10 metres away from where our clubhouse used to be situated. But we feel frustrated that we can’t resume our operations.
“We’re awaiting the architect’s report but the whole refurbishment process is bound to hit the €100,000 figure and, as a non-profit organisation, we just don’t have that kind of funds.
“I feel sorry for the children who had to stop practising their sport. Sailing is not like football, you can’t just relocate to another football ground and wear a different gear if a club closes down,” Mr Fenech said.
With the help of the Armed Forces of Malta, the club has in the meantime transferred its 24 sailing boats, three rescue boats and other equipment to the Ospizio, in Floriana which, however, is far from the sea.
The sailing boats had to be demasted to pass safely through the streets. It takes four men about an hour to set up a single mast.
“We don’t know when we can kick off our operations again,” Mr Fenech said.
Asked whether the government would be helping out the club with the refurbishment process, the Sports Parliamentary Secretariat did not commit to any further funding.
The club, which has been operating since 1984, took over the Haywharf building 10 years ago following a parliamentary vote that was approved unanimously.
Although the lease had another six years to run, the club was served with an eviction notice in July to vacate the premises by October 25 due to an EU-funded project undertaken by the armed forces.
With more than 200 ,ember families, the Vikings Sailing Club serves as a gathering point for hundreds of Maltese who come together for the array of events organised on a regular basis throughout the year.
These include young children’s training courses, open race days, barbecue gatherings, country-themed cuisine nights and dinghy regattas.
The club is run by volunteers.