Open boats in Albany this weekend

West Australians will be able to get a taste of life at sea in Albany Friday, Saturday and Sunday with open boat session on two of the 12-strong fleet of Clipper Race yachts that have arrived in the city as part of their round the world yacht race.

Local people will be able to look on board the new Clipper 70 yachts and meet race crew members and see where they eat, sleep and navigate during the 11-month race.

On Friday, one boat will be used from 10am local time until 1500, and on Saturday and Sunday two yachts will be open for viewing from 10am until 1800 at Albany Waterfront Marina.

On Saturday, Albany Maritime Festival will take place with plenty of entertainment and events going on including live music, a wine festival, whale boat races, food stalls, build a boat competition and a cook off with Clipper Race cook Lawrence Lingard and White Star Hotel, Albany chef, Owen Cowcell.