The competition has been run since 1975 and was inaugurated in Malahide. Today, the competition takes place in Howth during the Autumn, and is the culmination of the previous months during boating season. Hamil cup is a team competition, but also challenges the individuals in that team.

Skills examined include: handling a boat single handedly , row as part of a crew, boat maintenance, flag etiquette, practical teamwork exercises, water safety and uniform inspections. Seamanship skills are a life skill that is taught from the very start of a sea scouts journey in their troop.

The Hamil Cup gives scout’s a focus and puts into practice what they have learnt throughout the boating season.