The women’s crew of Trish Hines, Dani Lynch, Jane Bird, Sheree Melrose and sweep Peter Gray are in one of three Albany boats competing in the challenge starting at 8am this Sunday at Albany Boat Shed.

The women, men and junior crews all face formidable opposition with North Cottesloe SLSC again expected to dominate the event with five boats entered and numerous individuals in the skis and boards.

The challenge is expected to be one of the biggest held with more than 18 surf boats and 40 surf skis and paddlers expected to take part in the event which is being sponsored for the first time by The Naked Bean.

The men’s and women’s boat crews will be competing to take home the “Whale Tail” trophy.

Owner Pat McSweeney said he had taken on the sponsorship for two years to give the event the lift it needed.

“When we started the surf craft challenge there were three entries,” he said.

“Now it’s a must for many crews.”

The race takes part in two stages, both starting at 8am.

The boats and surf skis leave from Albany Town Jetty with the skis deviating close to Princess Royal Sailing Club before following the boats around the whale chaser and heading to Middleton Beach.

All entrants will head to a buoy off Griffith Street before finishing in Ellen Cove with the first arriving about 9am, and the tail finishing in about two hours.

The Albany women’s crew has been working for months preparing for this weekend’s race.

They first got together last September, with most not having rowed before.

“We knew absolutely nothing about surf boat rowing, but we’ve gradually improved,” Melrose said.

They have slowly acquitted themselves at lead-up surf life saving races throughout the year with a third in the open women’s event at the country championships in January.

Sweep and coach Gray said his crew was doing everything he asked of them.

“They will give the race a shake on the weekend,” he said.

“They’ve done the hard work.”

Gray is in his first year coaching but has helped mould the crew into a competitive force.