AMR takes place over the course of Memorial Day Weekend each year. Various ships from across the western region gather to partake in a friendly competition, including ships from SoCal, NorCal, Hawaii, and sometimes even Idaho and Arizona. The regatta is intended to enhance one's maritime skills, including marlinspike, charting, sailing, safety, and many others. In addition to advancing, the regatta also contributes to socialization and fellowship with events like a movie or a dance at the end of each day.