Entries are invited from recognised clubs, class associations as well as university sailing teams.

An early race in the mid 1980s was stopped during the night because of the fierce weather conditions.

The average turnout, which had stabilised in the years prior to 2020, had been between 60 and 70 boats, although the 50th anniversary race, held in 2016, attracted 82 entries.

Recent entry numbers had been held up by the fact that many of the competing clubs had entered two, three or even four teams.

The competing teams then raced their dinghies around the Southport Marine Lake (a man made feature containing 2 islands)[6] for the next 24 hours, finishing at noon on Sunday.