Craft competitors up for the challenge

Strong fields have again nominated for the 2018 Albany Surf Craft Challenge, consisting of a surf boat and ski race that begins in Princess Royal Harbour on Sunday morning.

More than 20 surf boats and 20 skis have already entered the annual 13km race that starts in Princess Royal Harbour and finishes in front of Albany Surf Life Saving Club at Middleton Beach.

Albany will have one men’s boat crew and three women’s boat crews, while Denmark is also joining the event, with a possibility of two boats taking part.

Several strong metropolitan clubs will compete at the event, with North Cottesloe chasing more success in the men’s open division, while City Beach claimed the open women’s title in 2017.

Registrations are still open for the surf boat and ski races and close online at 4pm tomorrow.

A 2km beach run will also be held as part of the event, with entry $5 a person and registrations taken on the day. ASLSC president Rob Mason said entry numbers were strong across the board.

“We have 26 boats registered and 23 skis,” Mason said yesterday.

“We will probably end up with a similar amount to last year, around the 150 individual people mark.

“The weather conditions look ideal and it’s shaping as a great event. We have food and drinks down there, along with music, and the public are all welcome.”

The surf ski race starts at 8.30am and the surf boats shortly after.

The beach run is set for 11am.