Royal Escape Race 2026 hailed a success after memorable race weekend
by Lucy Brooks 1 Jun 14:18 BST
21-23 May 2026
Celebrations in Fecamp during the Royal Escape Race 2026 © Lucy Brooks
The 2026 Royal Escape Race brought sailors together for a memorable weekend of racing, celebration and community spirit across the English Channel.
Organised by the Sussex Yacht Club in partnership with Société des Régates de Fécamp, this year's event saw 33 race entries take on the historic cross-Channel challenge from Brighton to Fécamp, alongside five yachts participating in the supporters' cruise.
Blessed with favourable conditions, competitors departed from the Sussex coast on Friday 22 May, retracing the route taken by Charles II of England during his escape to France in 1651 following the Battle of Worcester.
Taking line honours this year was Devils Advocate, completing the passage in an impressive 11 hours, 30 minutes and 42 seconds.
The race once again attracted a diverse fleet, including six entries from the Solo Offshore Racing Club, marking a significant boost for the event and helping establish the Royal Escape Race as an increasingly important fixture on the offshore sailing calendar.
Among the standout entries was Overlord, which competed during its 90th anniversary year, adding another special moment to a race already rich in maritime history.
Off the water, competitors and supporters enjoyed a packed social programme hosted by Société des Régates de Fécamp, including a Benedictine tasting, prize-giving celebrations and the ever-popular "Sailing's Got Talent" evening, which drew crowds of up to 150 people across the weekend.
The Sussex Yacht Club says feedback from competitors has so far been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising both the atmosphere and organisation of the event and expressing enthusiasm for returning in 2027 for the Royal Escape Race landmark 50th anniversary celebrations.
Robin Stevenson, Commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said: "This year's Royal Escape Race was a fantastic success both on and off the water. It was wonderful to see such a strong and diverse fleet taking part, alongside so much support from competitors, volunteers, sponsors and our partners in Fécamp. The feedback we've received has been incredibly positive, and it's exciting to see so many crews already looking ahead to future races.
"We are hugely grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and all those involved in the event for their continued support, which enables us to keep bringing this important and unique piece of maritime history to life each year."
This year's event was proudly supported by headline sponsor Bishop Skinner Marine alongside official clothing partner Musto, whose valued support played an important role in delivering another successful Royal Escape Race.
Following the race weekend, organisers were also invited onto BBC Radio Sussex with Sarah Gorrell to reflect on the success of the event and the growing profile of the race.
The official Royal Escape Race prize-giving will take place at Sussex Yacht Club on Saturday 13 June.
Find out more at www.sussexyachtclub.org.uk/royal-escape-race