HUNDREDS of sailing enthusiasts packed the beach for the start of an annual race.

The Royal Escape, the largest offshore yacht race, began last week off Brighton seafront.

Run by Sussex Yacht Club in Shoreham, the event brings together crews from France and the UK.

They retrace Charles II’s escape to the continent on board a dirty and neglected little boat from Southwick.

The yachts set off from the Palace Pier, with the help of a firing cannon, and headed for France.

Terry Kirch, commodore of the yacht club, said: “We have people from Sussex marinas and even from France come to have a go.

“We welcome people who have any level of boating experience and give them a chance to give it a go.

“I think people think it’s quite an elitist sport but it’s very inclusive.

“Boats need crews and crews need boats.”

A Brighton boat, Red Eye, captained by Pete Tyler, was the fastest to finish the gruelling race.

Pete’s boat crossed the line at 9.10pm, following 12 hours and 50 minutes on the water.

However the overall winner was the MS Amlin Enigma from Poole.

It finished at 10.43pm in a slower 14 hours and 22 minutes, but was awarded the win based on the boating handicap standings.

The handicaps for the race are determined on the “theoretical performance” of the yacht.

This takes into account size, shape and other factors that would give an indication of how it would finish on a day with “perfect” sailing conditions.

Money raised from the race go to a good cause, with donations made to Sussex Sailability, a charity which provides accessible sailing for people with disabilities.

Terry said: “If you can have fun and do some good at the same time it’s great.”

The Royal Escape Race will return in 2020.

For more information about the race, full results, or to learn more about yachting in Sussex, visit www.royalescaperace.co.uk and www.sussexyachtclub.org.uk.