44th Royal Escape Race set for 24th May
by Chris Hawkes 3 Feb 2024 15:46 UTC
24 May 2024
Royal Escape Race © Sussex Yacht Club
Sussex Yacht Club and Société des Régates de Fécamp are pleased to announce the opening of entries to the 44th running of the Royal Escape Race.
The annual cross channel race makes the most of the May Bank Holiday weekend with a start on 24th May off the famous Brighton beaches and finishes at the beautiful Brittany port of Fécamp.
Following a successful return of the event in 2023, which had been on hiatus given the impact of Covid - the organising committee are keen to welcome all interested competitors to sign-up now.
There is an exciting program of events planned for the race weekend so please keep checking the event website for details of the program and upcoming events.
"On the water" prize-giving to be hosted at SRF is included in your entry fee. The official prize-giving will take place at Sussex Yacht Club on 29th June 2024. Tickets for this event will be supplementary and will be available from the website once they become available.
Race entry Race entry is now open here.
"Early bird" entry is £110 for all yachts. This price includes your race entry, Yellow Bricks race tracker provided by the Hyde Park Construction and moorings in Fécamp for the event. After the early bird period entries are £130.
Following the fantastic success of live race tracking last year, the race will again feature live tracking of competitors in this 44th edition. Race tracking will be delivered by industry experts Yellow Bricks and kindly provided by Hyde Park Construction. The Race Committee know this extra visibility of the race will enhance the race experience for all competitors and their onshore support teams.
Thanks to all supporters including Musto, Hyde Park Construction and 360 Brewing Company as the preparation for the event continues.
History of the Race
Launched in 1977 to mark the Queen's silver jubilee, the historic Royal Escape Race is now amongst the oldest offshore sailing races in the country Celebrating the escape of King Charles II from Cromwell after the Battle of Worcester, the race follows the route that Charles took aboard the coal barge Surprise from Shoreham-by-Sea to reach safety in the Normandy port of Fécamp.
The apparently simple course nevertheless provides plenty of challenges for both enthusiastic offshore racers and the less experienced wanting to try their hand at some cross channel racing.
Once ashore in France, a warm welcome can be anticipated at the Société des Régates de Fécamp located right on the quayside.
For the less experienced, the Corinthian nature and collegial atmosphere of the Royal Escape Race represent a perfect opportunity to make the channel crossing in good company, with plenty of "old hands" around to share advice and offer support.