The Ms. Race – United We Sail By Diane Kropfl and Bill Sabanski For 2016, the Ms. Race at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club in Atlantic Highlands, NJ sailed under the banner “United We Sail.” Mother Nature again provided a perfect tribute to the participants united in support for the charity 180 Turning Lives Around, setting the stage for an afternoon of fun and exciting racing for the all-female crews. Anticipation at the morning crew breakfast and sailing/safety seminar was that this year’s race could unfold as one of the best ever. Heading out under sunny skies, racers were greeted by a delightful August summer afternoon. On the water, the seven participating boats found the winds slightly oscillating, fueling the anxiousness of the women to get the race underway. With an easterly breeze filling in at around 12 knots just before the start, the crews made a quick sail around the AHYC’s Olympic Circle on Sandy Hook Bay. Top honors were claimed by Elaine Haher’s J/24 A Good Hair Day. Second place went to Eileen Campbell’s C&C 33 CODA. In third, repeating last year’s finish, was Aleen Colitz’s Tartan 3700 My Time. This was the second Ms. Race victory for Haher, an avid and accomplished J/24 racer. “The really good
This year’s Ms. Race raised more than $15,000 for 180 Turning Lives Around. © Jeff Smith/jeffsmithphoto.net windcheckmagazine.com
teamwork of our one-design racing crew helped us get around the racecourse fast,” she said. “The team is grateful for the opportunity to race for such a good cause and we were excited to receive the perpetual trophies from both the Ms. Race and the NJYRA.” This is the third year in a row that the North Jersey Yacht Racing Association has awarded the prestigious Commodore’s Cup, recognizing their women’s champion, to the top
The crew of Overlap included Pepsny sisters Lauren (helm), Alyssa, Megan and Brianna. © Jeff Smith/jeffsmithphoto.net
female skipper of the Ms. Race. Each year, the Ms. Race looks to give forward to the young women from the Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program (AHSEP), encouraging participating boats to incorporate students for the race. Past two-time winner Donna Syers with her four teen daughters, all AHSEP participants, crewing on the Beneteau 40.7 Overlap, proved formidable competitors. Donna’s daughter Alyssa Pepsny, 16, credits sailing as a way to stay close to her sisters. “It’s a common sport for all of us, and a really nice way to have fun and spend time with each other,” she said. This year, the Ms. Race and associated events have raised over $15,000 for 180 Turning Lives Around, a New Jersey-based charitable organization that assists victims of domestic and sexual abuse and violence. For more information, visit 180nj.org or ahyc.net. ■ Diane Kropfl and Bill Sabanski enjoy racing and cruising on their Tartan 3700 Saint of Circumstance. WindCheck Magazine
October 2016 47