Entries open for Royal Escape Race's 50th Anniversary celebration

Royal Escape Race 2024 © Sussex Yacht Club

Sussex Yacht Club has officially opened entries for the 2027 Royal Escape Race, inviting sailors to be part of a landmark year as the historic Brighton-to-Normandy offshore race celebrates its 50th anniversary.

One of the South Coast's most distinctive and long-running sailing events, the Royal Escape Race has challenged and inspired generations of sailors with its unique cross-Channel passage.

The 2027 race will be a particularly special occasion, marking 50 years since the event was first established in 1977. Sussex Yacht Club is inviting entries from across the UK and beyond to be part of this milestone anniversary edition, with ambitions to make it one of the biggest and most memorable races in its history.

Organised by Sussex Yacht Club in partnership with Société des Régates de Fécamp in France, the Royal Escape Race sees a fleet of yachts set off from Brighton's Palace Pier to tackle the historic cross-Channel passage from Brighton to the Normandy port of Fécamp.

The race combines competitive offshore sailing with a fascinating connection to British history. It commemorates the dramatic escape of King Charles II in 1651, following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. Having made his way to Shoreham-by-Sea, the future king crossed the Channel aboard the coal brig 'Surprise', eventually reaching safety in Fécamp. Following the restoration, Chales II renamed the vessel 'HMY Royal Escape', giving the race its name.

First established to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, the race has developed into an established fixture on the offshore sailing calendar, bringing together generations of competitors and fostering a lasting relationship between the sailing communities of Sussex and Normandy.

The 2027 anniversary year will provide an opportunity to celebrate the memorable moments that have shaped the event over five decades and Sussex Yacht Club is encouraging past competitors, new entrants and the wider sailing community to be part of the anniversary celebrations.

Robin Stevenson, Commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said: "Fifty years is an extraordinary achievement for any sailing event, and we're incredibly proud of the Royal Escape Race and everyone who has helped make it what it is today.

"What began in 1977 as a celebration of a remarkable piece of British history has grown into an established fixture on the offshore sailing calendar, bringing together sailors from across the UK and France.

"We want 2027 to be a very special year. It's an opportunity to celebrate the race's history, recognise the people who have supported it over the years and encourage a new generation of sailors to experience the challenge and camaraderie of racing across the Channel. We'd love to see a strong fleet on the start line as we mark this milestone."

As preparations for 2027 get under way, Sussex Yacht Club hopes the anniversary year will bring together past and present competitors, celebrate the race's long-standing links between Sussex and Normandy, and inspire more sailors to take on the challenge in the years ahead.

To mark its 50th anniversary, Sussex Yacht Club is offering a special commemorative entry ticket priced at £110, which is available until 31 December 2026.

To get your entry or for further information and updates, visit: sussexyachtclub.org.uk/royal-escape-race

Further details of the 2027 programme, including special anniversary activities and entry arrangements, will be announced in due course.