Race Notice Board
Useful Information
Royal Escape Race WhatsApp Group
Declaration / Sign Off Form – will return in 2025
Port of Entry Information – See Below
Port of entry information
This information is in the process of being updated. Thank you for your patience.
Our 2025 map will be made live soon.
Course information
Brighton to Fecamp (approximately 66.5NM)
Date of race: 23rd May 2025
First warning signal: 09.00 BST
Organising authority: Sussex Yacht Club.
Race introduction
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.
The Royal Escape Race takes place during the Whitsun bank holiday weekend in May.