So what categories of boat are available? Remember this is an event for eight oared sweep boats only. Each year the race categories are reviewed. All masters crews and mixed eights are handicapped. From 2005, the Rowing Scoring system will apply to the race categories formerly called Intermediate (now "B") and Novice (now "C"). The school categories will remain unchanged.

There are also a number of prizes awarded.

The race categories and handicaps are explained here.