From the edge of Hoboken, most people look out onto the Hudson River and stare into the bustle of the Big Apple, regarding it as a barrier. Donna Antonucci stands at the dock and sees the Hudson as a getaway; as a place so far removed from her work and routine that she considers it an escape.

Donna began sailing in 1994. Working full-time in financial services in Manhattan and taking on an 18-credit course load at NYU Stern, sailing was a reprieve from the demands of clients, assignments and classes. "I wanted a reason to be outside," she tells me. "I initially took a beginner's course as an adult just as something to do. Once I finished school I used sailing to fill the vacuum of time that was no longer dedicated to my studies."

Founder of America Blu, a 501C-3 which promotes women in sailing, Donna enjoys reaching out to women and helping them persevere in a male-dominated sport, and give them an edge in competition. "There are plenty of places that offer beginners lessons. I want to help bridge the gap between novices and experts, and target women like myself." Her 8-week training course covers more than the basics and opens the door for women into competitive racing.

Antonucci originally moved to Hoboken back in 1996. Tired of her small, cramped apartment in New York City, and yearning for a place closer to her family in New Jersey, Hoboken was the answer. Currently residing up-town, Donna enjoys dining out and craves, "more high-end restaurants" to choose from in the Mile Square. Among her current favorites are The Elysian, and The Dining Room at Anthony David's for special occasions.

Since moving to Hoboken, Donna has begun a career in real estate and property management, and has brought her wealth of consumer financial services, compliance, and mortgage experience. "I know the industry from every angle; from start to finish. I am a prime resource for people looking to buy or rent because I can guide them through the entire process." Her diligence and pride in her work are evident throughout her website. Weekly updates, maps detailing Hoboken amenities such as daycare centers and transportation services, and analytical explanations of trending in the industry are among the numerous hallmarks which set her hyper-local website Hoboken Real Estate Monitor apart from other sites which focus less on specific areas and more on larger regions.

A typical day for Donna is like that of many others. She keeps abreast of trends in the industry; checking e-mails and drinking coffee at her desk as she plans the rest of her week with clients. Unlike the life she led before though, she now has the ability to do more of what she loves (and when she wants to do it)! "I was able to take a 3-week vacation that was unheard of when I was working for larger companies," she tells me. "I also can enjoy my kickboxing class when I am awake and not at 5am before I am headed into New York."

"My life in Hoboken is good. I am happy here," Donna says with a smile.

To learn more about America Blu and how you can become involved you can visit Donna's website www.hobokenrealestatemonitor.com.

PHOTOS
Headshot - Padraic Gallagher
Spinnakers - Arthur Antonucci
White Prudential sail - Donna Antonucci
Line of sailboats (portrait) - Donna Antonucci

Every week hMAG posts Faces articles featuring someone from the community because, after all, hMAG is all about the community.
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