When socialites compete, we all win.

By Valentina Zuric

When you combine an all-female athletic competition with a charitable cause, a day’s worth of unwavering rivalry can all succumb to one thing: Hamptons glamour. At the Hamptons Princess Race, the NY counterpart of the Princess Race in Turks & Caicos, socialites once again proved their resilience by competing in events that pushed them to the limits.

With Jetlag Productions hosting the Cartier-sponsored event, which garnered additional support from Lacoste, ERES, and Vitaminenergy, the Princess Race competition and private cocktail and hors d’oeuvres awards ceremony on August 23 proved to be a great success. These “Princesses” were out to win, ranked during each athletic challenge on their agility, grace, and speed. In two-women teams comprised of one driver and one navigator, these ladies engaged in extreme challenges such as kayaking, golf, surfing, and waterskiing. The course covered roadways along East Hampton Southampton, Montauk, and Shelter Island.

The event brought together “extraordinary women for a unique competition that develops true partnerships and friendships in a fun, bonding atmosphere,” says Phillip Cottone, boutique director of Cartier North America. “The event benefits a vital cause.”

The funds raised from the race supported Innocence in Danger, a non-profit organization bringing public attention to the plight of children who have been victims of trafficking and child abuse. The race also aided in helping to send a group of children to attend a healing camp in Vermont this summer.

“Without question, regardless of finish order or results, all women competitors who enter the Cartier Hamptons’ Princess Race achieve something much greater for these children,” says Vanessa Duquesnes, the event’s organizer. While Fabiola Beracasa and Candice Levy took first prize, second place went to sister team Herta and Helena Kreigner (owners of Über Inc.), each winning a Lacoste gift certificate to keep them stylish during any future challenge. Third place was granted to Countess Lu Ann de Lesseps and her partner Sally Terry (a former model), both leaving with Frederick Fekkai gift certificates-a gift of pampering in SoHo for their efforts in the race. Not far behind was the team of Lucy Di Costanzo (entrepreneur), and Eve Goldberg (of William Goldberg), two fourth-prize winners who each received a bottle of Cartier champagne, bubbling in spirit.

Cartier ensured no contestant walked away empty handed, granting each woman with an elegant new leather handbag-Marcello de Cartier-to celebrate their devotion in the event and their allegiance to raising money for Innocence in Danger. These women’s sportsmanship and grace came together in this third annual Princess Race, and it came together for an unbelievable cause.