Escalated costs from construction of the granite walls to protect the marina have forced LandCorp and the Department of Transport to reconsider the number of boat pens.

From original plans for 160 pens, 74 were initially planned for stage one.

But local sailors voiced concerns this week that Albany would be short-changed if that number was further reduced to a suggested 45.

Princess Royal Sailing Club commodore Paul Terry said the city had been waiting years for a world-class facility capable of attract around-the-world yachts.

He said Albany was already part of plans for a major role in the 2011 Around Australia Ocean Race and the 2011 Around Australia Ocean Rally.

But the city could miss out on millions of dollars in trade and promotion if the facility was not suitable.

“There is a great opportunity for the city with this Around Australia Ocean Race and the Rally in 2011,” he said.

“Up to 300 boats would use this marina over the course of 12 months, with an international focus on Albany as part of the race.”

Mr Terry said the events were only part of a “bigger picture”.

“The biggest economic return and value for the city and the community is the arrival of the cruising yachts,” he said.

“There will be up to 200 of them. They won’t all be here at the same time but they will stay here for a week.

“They will be spending money in town, there will be international focus.

“The online media for this thing is going to be huge.

“The opportunity for Albany is huge exposure.”

Mr Terry said Albany’s poor facilities had prevented it from being a stop-off for many passing yachts which would have attracted different tourist dollars to the city.

“It’s important to market the marina to the cruising and yacht-racing community of Australia that Albany has addressed its cruising shortfall, because the facilities that were available previously were abysmal,” he said.