This Saturday, more than 50 boats will face the starter's gun in a race which was first fought for in 1908/9 as a 14ft race before graduating to the 16-footer class in the 1920s.

The regatta lost some of its lustre as fleet numbers dropped over the past decade, but STGSC race secretary Paul Donovan said: "We're pleased that we are again attracting the cream of the crop."

Of the local contingent, up-and-comer Gill (James Ward) of Georges River 16ft Sailing Club is expected to do well in familiar conditions while the St George club boasts five starters.

Manly's Fluid Building Services (Clint Bowen), fresh from success at state and national level, heads the starters alonside Fire Stopping (Ben Bianco) and Belmont duo AB Window Fashions (Ben Bruniges) and Brydens Compensation Lawyers (Danny Anderson).

Saturday's race starts at 2.30pm in front of the club and sails around the bay and along Brighton Beach before finishing back at the club. The 13ft fleet set sail at 2.40pm.