Sussex Yacht Club held the 28th Royal Escape Race on 28th May 2004. The race commemorates the escape to France of King Charles II following his defeat by the republican army at the battle of Worcester in 1651.

At 0800 the IRC Fleet of larger and faster boats set off along Brighton beach in a SE force 3-4 wind. After a spectacular collision, Kereru limped back to Brighton having sustained much damage. The remaining 64 PY yachts started 15 minutes later and kept the sunshine all the way across to Fecamp, except for the few that finished after dark. Most were swept by the tide and the wind a few miles to the west of the Greenwich Meridian lightship, which meant that when the wind unexpectedly turned easterly, those boats which had gone west for speed were able to make for Fécamp and produced good results.

Overall winner of the PY fleet was Charles Erb in Pleiades, a Westerley Ocean 43 from Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, Eastbourne. Line honours and the family trophy went to Richard Iwinski in Viking Blue, a Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473, who crossed the line just after 1800. The PY Team Trophy was won by Sussex Yacht Club with Slipstream (Paul King), winner of the PY Fast Fleet, and Fayme (Andrew Smith) and Skellig (Will Camp). Moonlight Saunter (David Skinner) won the IRC class and helped Sussex Yacht Club win the IRC Team Trophy. Second in the IRC class was Jonty Layfield’s Sleeper from Brighton Marina Yacht Club.

The enjoyable crossing was followed by some excellent social events and splendid French cuisine. Those who returned to England overnight on Sunday had an exceptionally fast crossing, unlike those coming back on Monday. A pan-pan call for assistance from one yacht with a leaking stern gland was cared for by two yachts staying close all the way across.

The cups and prizes were presented at the Prize Giving Dinner and Dance at the Old Ship Hotel on Friday 18th June. Rod Carr, Chief Executive Royal Yachting Association and the Mayor of Brighton and Hove City were in attendance and cheques were presented to the nominated charities, Sussex Sailability and John Merricks Sailing Trust.

Photos - Copyright Warwick Baker.