I get up there once a year for 1-2 weeks, usually around Oct/Nov, and find Yamba a great spot for sailing, and the back beaches of Angourie great for surfing too. Last trip I sailed 5 days out of 7, felt like I was in WA, however I have been there and had irregular wind too. Like anywhere in on the Mid and North Coast of NSW, the NEs should be happening in Spring through to late summer. The sails I used most last trip were my 6.5 and 5.8m Ezzy Wave SEs, and I weigh 92 kg.
Pippi beach at the southern end of town is where the wavesailing is done in a NE. Usually gets 5-6 guys out on a good seabreeze. Beach faces more south then the others in town, so the wind is cross shore and usually gets some swell if there is a sniff of it around.
The guy that runs the Fandango surfshop in the main street used to be a keen sailor, and one my first trip to Yamba I found him a great reference for sailing spots, as well as surf spots.
If the surf is maxing out and you want some speed, some of the guys go down to whiting beach in the river, you get big long runs in smoothish water. Ive never sailed in the river, but I have watched some guys whipping up some great speed runs. Enjoy.
Make sure you have a beer and a meal at the pub overlooking the beach. Awesome food, the chef has won many awards. Can recommend the Yamba Prawn pasta (prawns, lime, chillie, garlic, salt on top of pasta) - I get it every time!
