Entries are now being taken for the 30th Royal Escape Race, which follows in the wake of King Charles II, who fled Cromwell’s Roundheads in 1651. Having escaped the Battle of Worcester, the king made for the coast dressed as a servant, and paid fisherman Nicholas Tettersell to take him to France in his boat, the Surprise.

The first Royal Escape race was held in 1977 as part of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, and attracted around 40 entries. It’s now grown to be a major South Coast event, with over 100 entries expected this year.

Organised by Sussex Yacht Club, the race takes place on Friday 26th May from Shoreham to Fécamp in northern France. There’ll be a crew briefing the evening before with snacks and drinks, and a prize-giving dinner on 10th June. Anyone can enter. For more information, see www.sussexyachtclub.org.uk