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 on Friday after it was agreed that the liners would berth at an alternative location, The Times reported.
Four cruise liners are due in Grand Harbour on Victory Day. This would have made it impossible for spectators to watch the keenly contested races from the Valletta side. Berthing at the Waterfront would have also interfered.
National Festivities chairman Nazju Abela said proposals to postpone the regatta met with stiff opposition particularly from the clubs taking part, The Times reported. The government was also against the idea of a postponement.
The Times further added that 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 14:00CEST and 18:00CEST.
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, said The Times.
Taking part in this year's regatta are boats from Birzebbuga, Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Kalkara, Senglea, Marsa and Marsamxett.
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