Our club was formed in 1909 by Frank Dymes and during 2009 we celebrated our Centenary. 

Another highlight of the 2009 activities was the reinstatement of WA’s most prestigious and challenging Ocean Races, the Fremantle to Albany Yacht Race.  The first Fremantle to Albany Race was conducted in 1968 and during the 1970’s & 1980’s became the States’ premier Ocean Race.  The last race was held in 1997 so it was a welcome return after an absence of 12 years.

The Club’s first meeting held at the Royal George Hotel on Stirling Terrace.  Club races were conducted in those days from the Town Jetty.   During the 1950’s the Shire of Albany granted the Sailing Club a lease of land at Pagoda Point in Little Grove, where we are now located.

Over the last 50 years the Clubrooms and Marina has grown to what we see today.

The Princess Royal Sailing Club forms part of the proud maritime history in the city of Albany.

The benefits for you and your family are that you will enjoy the atmosphere of a family club. We have barbecue facilities free of charge to members.

On Friday nights the Galley is staffed by our well known chef, Gus, who provides a varied menu in a relaxing atmosphere.  The Board invites you to visit the Club on a Friday night to experience this atmosphere, such as sitting on the balcony to enjoy the lights of Albany, and get to know other members of the Club.

Saturdays are our sailing days from October to June and you are most welcome to come and join us on the water as a crew member or as a social sailor.  If racing is not your cup of tea a group of more seasoned sailors, our Cruising division, depart from the Club every Wednesday morning for a leisurely cruise and you are more than welcome to join them.

Remember the more you put into the club the more you get out of the club so if you have any skills that you are willing to offer to the Club then please contact our Office Manager and she will find you something to do to suit your skills.

Maritime Background

"The finest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere" ... was the appraisal of King George Sound by George Vancouver when he sailed into its blue, protected waters in 1791.

This description, further enhanced by Matthew Flinders surbey in the early 1800s, led the Britosh to choose the site of Albany for their first settlement in Western Australia in 1827 - two years before that at the Swan River.

Since then Albany's waterways have been the focus of the region's development. Always well placed as a port of refuge from the stormy Southern Ocean, Albany becoame a major commercial coaling port in the late 19th centuary. The monument on Mt Clarence testifies to the port's role in the Anzac invasion of 1914 whilst the submarine fleet activities of the '39-45 conflict are remebered by the American lookout at the Forts.

This history, overlaid on the whaling traditions of the town, make Albany's waterways a living history book of maritime tradition.

Weather and Sailing Conditions

Albany's sailing conditions can best be spilt into three time zones. Early summer (September to mid December) is a period of change. Gradient easterlies prevail, interspersed with frontal passages that decrease in strength as the continental highs move southward.

Summer (mid December to early February) is a period of steady easterlies, 8-12 knots before lunch shifting south-east at 12-25 knots in the early afternoon is the rule for this time of year, creating exhilarating planing conditions for dinghies.

Autumn (mid February to May) is the most attractive sailing season as the highs move north, light airs prevail, 5-12 knots of breeze provide challenging shifty conditions to test the skills of all yachtsmen.

Any of these combination of fair winds, open flat water and proximity to the club facilities make Albany the perfect regatta venue.

The Club Board Members are:

Office Hours  8.30am - 1.00pm Monday - Wednesday - Friday

Bar Hours Friday 4pm - Close     Saturday 4pm - Close

Restaurant Hours  Friday 6.30pm - 8.30pm