Competitors from across WA set for action in Albany Surf Life Saving Club’s popular Surf Craft Challenge

Strong fields will converge on Princess Royal Harbour for the 2023 Surf Craft Challenge, run by the Albany Surf Life Saving Club, on Sunday morning. More than 200 competitors have signed up for the annual 13km race that starts in Princess Royal Harbour and finishes in front of the Albany Surf Life Saving Club at Middleton Beach. Albany will have three boat crews competing on the day, including a masters women’s and an open women’s team. The club will also have an under-19 women’s crew for the first time. About 30 boats and 50 surf skis will compete in the event. Several strong metropolitan clubs will also take part, with North Cottesloe chasing back-to-back titles in the men’s open division, while Sorrento will be out to achieve the same feat in the open women’s division. Online entries are open until Friday. A 2km beach run will be held after the surf craft race. Event organiser Nick Walker said interest was strong across the board.“There’s another big field — we’re not talking record numbers but we’re looking at strong competitors again,” he said. “There are a lot of Perth clubs and all the surf clubs are really supportive. “Dampier and Esperance are two clubs that travel a really long way, as well as Bunbury. “The 2km race is a traditional thing we throw in for people to get involved. It will be great to see people come down and enjoy the long weekend. “It’s a unique course of the marina through Middleton Beach via the Cheynes wreck. “There’s a great social atmosphere to the weekend and the club volunteers are important to the event.” The water safety team will be supported by Albany Sea Rescue on the day.