Strangford Lough Racing Cruiser Association was formed in 1973 by a group of like minded sailors to promote racing of cruising boats both inside the lough and offshore, and to encourage cooperation between clubs in the lough and co-ordination of racing.

​

As the association developed over the years it has tried to make this an enjoyable and sociable series of races which bring the clubs of the lough together.

​

Since the association has no clubhouse, it was decided a number of years ago to ask the host clubs to provide a bar and perhaps snack food to encourage crews to come ashore after racing to socialise.  As an incentive the clubs agreed to award a bottle to the day's winner in each class that raced that day. We encourage all crews to continue this tradition which has proved to be very popular.