A ROWING club fears it is facing exile from its hometown after talks between it and its hosts broke down.

WivGigs, a rowing club based in Wivenhoe, say it is being forced out of its base at Wivenhoe Sailing Club.

The two organisations have had a long-standing agreement allowing WivGigs to use the sailing club’s base in Walter Radcliffe Road covering annual fees, use of basic facilities and club independence.

It is also where it launches its flagship boat Audcaity.

But WivGigs chairman Tony Evans said the sailing club had moved the goalposts and his team faced a choice to either move or be taken over.

He said: “This is a sorry state of affairs. We are extremely sad and disappointed - and also angry - at the hard-line approach being taken by the sailing club who are essentially blocking access to the river to a vibrant, successful, community-spirited club.

“While we accept the sailing club has a legal right to block access to the river via their slipway, we feel they have a moral obligation to allow access to larger vessels such as Audacity, that are owned by a club, particularly as we have had a successful agreement with them for the last seven years.

“They want to change from a sailing club to a water-sports club and we support their ambition.

“During discussions with them about their future, we provided several viable, alternative solutions to the takeover they propose, that would still achieve their ambition but would allow us our independence.

“The club has has rejected our proposals outright.”

A spokesman for the sailing club said the arrangement had always been temporary and moved to draw up a new long-term agreement with WivGigs in February.

He added: “Wivenhoe Sailing Club has made various suggestions, invitations and offers, but to date, no agreement has been reached.

“The recent social media comments have not made the task any easier but Wivenhoe Sailing Club remains optimistic that a solution will be found and is open to further discussions before the current agreement comes to an end.

“Wivenhoe Sailing Club is always open to new members and new ideas. Wivenhoe Sailing Club has recently welcomed 28 new members from the recently dissolved canoe club.

“Wivenhoe Sailing Club is also in discussions with the Corsairs Community Rowing Club with a view to forming a closer relationship.”