Most regatta competitors race for a trophy or for bragging rights. A few events aim higher. One of them is the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club’s annual Ms. Race, held August 15 on Sandy Hook Bay, NJ. The Ms. Race is more than a sailboat race. It is a celebration of confidence, self-reliance, women on the water, and making an impact for an extraordinary cause.
This year marked the 22nd running of the Ms. Race in support of 180 Turning Lives Around, a Monmouth County, NJ, nonprofit helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Nine all-women crews competed, and the event also celebrated 180’s 50th anniversary.
To add to the fun, organizers gave this year’s race the theme “Racing for Gold.” One of the traditions of the Ms. Race is that crews dress for the occasion. Alongside the more traditional crew t-shirts, this year’s outfits ranged from French sailor uniforms to cowboys to 49er gold miners. Excellent conditions, close competition, camaraderie, and women supporting women both on and off the water made this one to remember.
More than 175 spectators followed the action aboard the Seastreak spectator boat, and together, sponsors, sailors, supporters, and donors have helped raise well over $40,000 for 180 this year, and counting!
Once again, UK Sailmakers Northeast provided the winners with great UK gear prizes. Karen Harris and the crew onboard J/133 Assarain IV won the Traditional Non-Spinnaker Division, and Elaine Haher’s J/24 team, A Better Hair Day, won the Spinnaker Division.
