Final Preparations underway for 2026 Royal Escape Race

Royal Escape Race 2024 © Sussex Yacht Club

With just under one month to go, final preparations are under way for the 2026 Royal Escape Race, with entries building and the organisers confirming key updates to this year's event.

Taking place from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 May, the 46th edition of the race will once again see a competitive fleet take on the cross-Channel passage to Fécamp, France. Widely regarded as one of the South Coast's most established offshore races, the Royal Escape continues to attract a strong mix of experienced crews and first-time Channel racers.

For 2026, Sussex Yacht Club will act as the operational centre of the race, hosting the official race briefing, competitor registration and pre-race activity, while reinforcing Shoreham's role as both the historical and organisational heart of the event.

Competitors will gather at the Club on Thursday (21 May) evening for the official briefing, race pack collection and tracker distribution, ahead of race day on Friday.

The race itself will start off Brighton, just to the west of Brighton Palace Pier, with the first warning signal scheduled for 08:00 BST on Friday 22 May. The 2026 schedule sets the scene for a full programme on water and ashore:

• Thursday 21 May: Race communications go live, followed by the official race briefing at Sussex Yacht Club
• Friday 22 May: Morning hospitality at SYC, followed by the race start and Channel crossing to Fécamp
• Saturday 23 May: Finishes, inspections, results and prize-giving at Société des Régates de Fécamp

Competitors will be able to track the fleet in real time via YellowBrick, with live tracking available throughout the race.

The 2026 Royal Escape Race is proudly supported by headline sponsor Bishop Skinner Marine, alongside official clothing partner Musto and a growing portfolio of event partners and sponsors. Their support helps ensure the continued delivery and development of a race that blends offshore competition with a strong sense of heritage and community.

Founded in 1977, the Royal Escape Race commemorates the escape of Charles II of England, who fled from Shoreham to Fécamp in 1651 after the Battle of Worcester. Today's competitors retrace that historic route, transforming it into a modern offshore challenge.

With the countdown now on, Sussex Yacht Club is encouraging final entries from crews looking to take part in this well-established early-season Channel race. Robin Stevenson, Commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said: "With just a month to go, preparations are well under way and we're looking forward to welcoming competitors to Shoreham. The Royal Escape Race remains a unique fixture in the offshore calendar, combining a challenging cross-Channel passage with a strong sense of history and community."

Entries still open

Entries for the 2026 race remain open, with further details, Notice of Race and tracking information available at: www.sussexyachtclub.org.uk/royal-escape-race