19 th Annual Ms Race a Success!

Ms Race

The Atlantic Highlands, Raritan and Keyport Yacht Club members took the top awards in the Non-Spinnaker and Spinnaker divisions of the annual MS Race sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club as a major fund-raising event for 180 Turning Lives Around.

The 19^th annual MS Race, for woman sailors only, was held Aug 19, for the benefit of the non-profit New Jersey organization dedicated to protecting victims of domestic abuse and to help them rebuild their lives.

This year’s theme was ‘Women Wind Warriors’ and the sailors  in Sandy Hook Bay proved themselves to be not only Woman Wind Warriors but determined, dedicated competitors in an event that hones sailing skills and builds self-confidence on the water.

There were 13 racers from the New Jersey Bayshore area including Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club members, in two classes, Traditional Non-Spinnaker and Spinnaker divisions.

Placing first in the Traditional Non-Spinnaker competition was Saint of Circumstance under Diane Kropfl from the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club, sailing her Tartan 3700. Second place went to Laura Dunn Grodewald in Eduam, C&C MK V from the Raritan Club. Sue Mulholland, in a Sabre S34, the Celtic Star, placed third representing Keyport Yacht Club.

Atlantic Highlands club racers took both first and second places in the Spinnaker Division, with A Better Hair Day under Elaine Haher placing first, and Aviator with Karen Harris second. The ladies sailed a J24 and J109 in the competition.

Before the race, Elaine Haher, past AHYC Commodore, seasoned J/24 race captain and now four-time winner of the Ms. Race, shared instructive racing tips at the race morning Captain’s meeting, along with details of the Pursuit Race start times, race courses, marks, tides and weather conditions.

On the water, the Ms. Race teams, each with their own start time for the race, did last minute maneuvering with Brian Gillen officiating the race on Hawk Moon.

The officiating crew got the race off to a good start on time for the 7.0 nautical miles course around the Bay. Friends, families and guests gathered on spectator boats to monitor the race’s progress, shoot photos and cheer on the racers.

Ted Gassman on Dog House was the Press Boat, and Rear and Past Commodore Jack Flannery hosted Allison Scaduto, Ocean is Female Platinum sponsor, on Lucky Girl.

Rick Kolber, 180 board member and also a Platinum Sponsor, was on the water on his Brig two-masted sailboat hosting guests watching and photographing the event.

The day started with westerly winds at 12 to 14 knots gusting to 17 beneath a sunny sky, making a fine day for racing.

Following a good start, the Women Wind Warriors steadily made their way around the course with a record 13 sailboats!

When it was over, it was exuberant captains and crew who made their way to the clubhouse in the Municipal Yacht Harbor for the Awards Ceremony and party, featuring music by DJ Bill Sabanski, a Silent Auction, a Chance Auction, and a 50/50. The captains and crews, along with families and friends enjoyed light appetizers and desserts, along with a Ms. Race themed cake.

Presentations were officiated by Ms. Race Co-chairs Emily Smith and Diane Kropfl and Race Committee Co-chair Karen Harris, joined by 180 Special Events Community Engagement Coordinator Caitlin Tamayo to present the Ms. Race trophies. Guests also expressed appreciation to Yacht Club Vice Commodore Joe Patsco for recognizing this remarkable club racing event and its support for 180.

The early evening event also featured a fundraiser with generous donations from sponsors and club members. A Better Hair Day won Vote for Your Favorite Sailboat with the most donations.

Members, guests and sailors all agreed in addition to the successful day for the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club and its guests, it was a day that  added substantially to the funds the Yacht Club has raised this year for 180.

Sponsors and donors generously donated more than $20,000 for this year’s event to date, with time still open to accept donations on behalf of the MS Race.

In its 19 years of supporting 180 Turning Lives Around, the MS Race has raised and donated more than  q quarter of a million dollars to the non-profit organization.

Sponsors included OisF The Ocean is Female as a Platinum Event Sponsor for the fourth year in a row.  Other Platinum level sponsors this year include Stillwell-Hansen and Carol Stillwell, 180 Board Members, Rick Kolber, 180 Board Member, and longtime supporters Aleen and Stephen Colitz and Marion Bartholomew, another appreciated  longtime supporter.

Premium and event sponsors included Club members Janice Miller and Frank Gaudio, the Fortiers and Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program, the Sciortino Family, Laura and Sam Oncea, Marion Atwater and Don Smith and returning sponsors, Lockwood Boat Works..

Other sponsors this year are Peapack Private Wealth Management and new sponsors Wendy Crowther Law Office, Leonardo Jewelers, HFA Certified Public Accountants and Martin-Ottaway.

The Club also expressed thanks to the Lusty Lobster and Chiafullo’s in Highlands for their appetizers

All  donors are acknowledged along with the complete roster of sponsors in the Ms. Race Sponsor Guide available at the yacht club and online at 2023 Ms. Race Sponsor Guide.

Clubs and guests praised the MS Race organizing committee who created this year’s successful Ms. Race Event, Jean Evertsen, Elaine Haher, Karen Harris, Janice Miller, LuAnn Rathemacher, Barbara Nevius, Marion Bartholomew, Bill Sabanski, and Linda Goldberg along with 180 members, Caitlin Tamayo, Randi Zamkotowicz and Amanda Finn.

“We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to all the club members who once again donated so very generously to this year’s Ms. Race, “said the co-chairs. “In the hectic days leading up to the race, we may have missed some folks who contributed.  If so, please let us know so we can ensure your donation is accounted for and we can recognize you appropriately.”

Photographers for this year’s Ms. Race and Awards Ceremony included Rob Kneller, Jeff Smith and Ivy Dash. . Visit the MS Race at ahyc.net for articles and photos and view photos from the photography staff.

“Thanks to all, this is more than a sailboat race, it is about confidence and self-reliance,. “said cochairs Kropfl and Smith   Those wishing to donate to 180 Turning Lives Round can visit.

2023 Ms. Race Turning Lives Around Donation Link.

Competitors in the 19^th annual MS Race were Jen Begley, Stephanie Biles, Paula DelCoro, Laura Dunn Grodewald, Diane Kropfl, with helmsman Barbara Nevius, Nitzan Levy, Sue Mulholland, Laura Oncea, Terry Sculac and Kathy Puschaver and Katelyn Waters in the traditional non-spinnaker cruising competition, and  Elaine Haher, Karen Harris and Kim Sinatra in the Spinnaker competition