The Long Distance Pursuit Race was first run in 2009. Sailors race to and from a specified destination (often Coal Point) rather than the normal wind oriented triangle-sausage race course. In this pursuit styled start starting groups are determined by using a boat’s Portsmouth handicap number. Each group’s start is spaced out from the next by a predetermined time with the slowest boats starting first and leading the way. It is up to the later starting boats to catch them from behind in the race to the finish.