On Saturday, August 18, 2018 the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club in Atlantic Highlands, NJ will host the 14th Annual Ms. Race, a charity race created to benefit and raise awareness for 180 Turning Lives Around (180nj.org), a Monmouth County-based private, non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in the community. All proceeds from the Ms. Race and other related events throughout the year are donated to 180.
Karen Harris’ J/120 Cygni crosses Lauren Pepsny’s Beneteau First 40.7 Overlap in last year’s Ms. Race. © Thomas Gardner
The Ms. Race is open to boats skippered and crewed by female sailors. With a theme of “Winds of Change” a large fleet from 24 to 45 feet and a fundraising goal of $20,000, this promises to be the largest Ms. Race to date. New this year is a pursuit race format, with slower boats starting first and faster ones (based on PHRF handicap) starting later. The first boat to cross the finish line wins the race. With support from AHYC members and race committee, a full schedule of events is planned, culminating in the awards reception that evening.
With a goal of expanding participation of women of all ages, the Ms. Race committee is partnering with the Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program (AHSEP) to encourage young women to start sailing. To register, contact the Ms. Race planning committee at ahyc.ms.race@gmail.com. More information can be found at facebook.com/MsRaceAHYC.
