The weed beds off Quaranup Beach provide fast sailing when the sea breeze is blowing.	Albany lies approximately 430 km south of Perth on the coast of Western Australia. Although not well-known as a popular windsurfing destination, a large contingent of local windsurfers sail on the vast areas of water in the harbour and along the coast throughout the summer months.  Like the majority of the Western Australian coast, the waters around Albany enjoy summer sea breezes, but in this district they are south easterly unlike the West Coast where the sea breeze is from the south west. The wind generally kicks in around midday but tends to taper off a little earlier than it does in the west.  The water temperature in summer is a few degrees cooler then in Perth but is definitely not cold. However since the UV is stronger in Albany then in more northern areas, you should consider wearing a steamer even in summer for sun protection. An advantage to a south-easterly sea breeze is that you won't find yourself constantly squinting into the afternoon sun.
Smooth water in the shallow areas for the harbour - the perfect place to perfect that elusive Duck Gybe.	The Princess Royal Harbour is a favourite playground for local windsurfers. The harbour provides some excellent flat-water sailing, and chop-jumping in the deeper areas. In winter, when the winds are from the south or the south-west, the northern perimeter of the harbour provides good sailing on a high tide. You can sail parallel to the road that runs alongside the harbour. You can race the cars that drive alongside you and it can be a heap of fun. The only drawback to this side of the harbour is that you have to launch off rocks. There is a launching place near the Town Jetty that is sandy and has a grassy area nearby, but this involves a point up to the weed beds which are the flattest water for sailing (and car chasing!) The best launching spots in the harbour are from the Princess Royal Sailing Club in Little Grove or the area just west of the club, or Quaranup Peninsula. The Sailing Club is grassed and has running water and Windsurfers are tolerated for the most part, but during race days you can expect to have to go elsewhere. Quaranup Isthmus has no grass, no water and involves a long walk out.
Great sailing on the smooth water off Quaranup.	Quaranup is at the end of an isthmus that forms the southern side of the harbour mouth. The isthmus is comprised of low sand dunes and on the lee or harbour side (the west) the water is shallow and the sailing is fast and smooth on a full tide. The isthmus runs north-east/south-west which gives pure cross shore winds in summer. Launching from here involves a long walk carrying your rig and many sailors prefer to launch at the Yacht club and point up to the isthmus. This has the added benefit of the broad-reach back home when you have had enough for the day. Further east at Middleton Beach and Emu Point (away from the harbour) there is often good wave-sailing to be had, as the sandbars that lie offshore sometimes throw up a good wave. Summertime is not renowned for swell and the sailing here is mostly rough water and chop jumping. There are good rigging areas at Emu Point with public conveniences and running water and with the added advantage of being really close to the caravan parks. There is also access from Middleton Beach but you should avoid the popular swimming areas and launch from the Surfer's carpark east of the main beach area.
Be prepared for some great waves at Ocean Beach in Denmark.	West of Albany between Denmark and Walpole is Peaceful Bay. A drive east along the beach (4wd essential) from the Peaceful Bay camp site will take you to Parry's Beach. This is THE destination for wave sailors. Cross-shore winds and good sized, well-shaped waves are every wave hound's dream and Parry's on a good day won't disappoint. There are many beaches around the general area - Cheyne' s Beach, Denmark' s Ocean Beach and Nanarup to mention just a few. Local people seem to prefer sticking close to home so windsurfers are rarely seen at these locations.
Windsurfing on the Princess Royal Harbour in mid-winter.	No windsurfing equipment is available in Albany and visitors should bring whatever spares they feel they might need. Local surf shops sell the usual surfing paraphernalia and you can find odd bods and dorks in the Yacht Chandlery at O'Keefe's in Serpentine Rd East, but apart from that you're on your own. Summer is the best time for wind, as sailable sea breezes can blow from October through to February. After that there is a fairly calm period until June. Winter, for those sailors brave enough (and with a thick enough wetsuit) can produce some pretty exciting sailing on winter winds. Be warned however that Albany in winter can be very cold. The water temperature is several degrees cooler than Perth in both summer and winter and the wind chill factor can make conditions quite chilly.
Huge swells in early spring at The Gap near Albany.	Accommodation is scarce in the summer. If you're planning a stay in Albany you would be wise to book well ahead. Caravan Parks provide cheap accommodation and there are two back-packers in town. In winter accommodation is relatively easy to obtain.    One minor annoyance in the harbour is the presence of Cobbler. These can give a nasty sting so be wary of striding into weedy areas. If you should be stung, the treatment is to keep the injured part in very hot water. Heat stops the pain so as long as the water is hot, you' ll be ok. In extreme cases the Hospital will provide treatment.
This page was prepared by Sylvia Gartland Albany SightWorks