Emily Smith The Ms Race set for August 17 from the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor is a leading event of the sailing season for many reasons including the thousands of dollars the race has raised for 180 Turning Lives Round since it started.
The women racing in this highly regarded competition do it for many reasons in addition to supporting the organization that aids abused and women, men and children.
Take Emily Smith for instance.
The co-chair of this year’s event has been sailing for 52 years. For her, the competition of the Ms Race is a highlight of her sailing season, not she is quick to point out it is also the feelings of peace and friendship this competition brings. Add to that the tens of thousands of dollars the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club raises through the Ms Race and it’s easy to see why it is a popular event throughout the sailing community.
“It’s the camaraderie, achieving goals, just plain having fun,” Smith said enthusiastically. “Getting the hang of it is just the beginning of new adventures and a lot more fun.”
Smith has sailed on four different boats in competitions, serving as caption and owner of two of them. She also was the strategist for her Sabre 40, named Vici, and is looking forward to getting a new boat this month.
Even with the new boat, however, Emily is choosing to stay with her Vici, the Sabre 40, for this year’s competition. In addition to co-chairing the popular seasonal event. Emily will be the strategist on Vici. continuing her love for being out on the water.
Candidly admitting she spends “as much time as possible” sailing, Smith said it is also exciting finding new boats and teams each year to enter the Ms Race competition and continue to help 180 Turning Lives Round.
“At first, it was the glamour of sailing,” she admits, “that was followed by achieving new skills, then the competition.” In the end, however, she sighed, “it’s the peace and friendship that come along with it that count the most.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the annul Ms race which was inaugurated by a group of female sailors who regularly participate in the Yacht Club’s racing events and always designed to help 180 Turning Lives round. For the past three years, the Race has also made record-breaking contributions to the nonprofit charity, 180 Turning Lives Around, and anticipates another record-breaking year on the 20th anniversary.
The organization aids women, men and children who are affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
All woman sailors with their boats and female crews are encouraged to participate. For more information about The Ms. Race, visit us at facebook.com/ahyc.msrace or contact ahyc.ms.race@gmail.com.
