Our Mission
To provide accessible sailing experiences in Minnesota for blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages that fosters independence, cultivates confidence, and strengthens community.
Our Vision
Twin Cities Blind Sailing will develop blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages in Minnesota into independent sailors in both competitive racing and casual cruising environments to improve lives, enrich communities, and fill the waters with sailors that will fuel the sport of sailing for generations to come.
Our Values
- Growth
- Independence
- Resilience
- Fitness
- Inclusivity
- Teamwork
- Fun
- Accessibility
- Diversity
Program Organizers
Katy Boyd Founder/Executive Director
Annette Stelter Program Director/Board Member
Annette Stelter Program Director/Board Member
Katy Boyd began sailing in Boston nearly a decade ago and quickly became active in sailing competitions, including the Robie Pierce Regatta, Independence Cup, Beringer Bowl, and the 2022 Women’s Championship in Newport. She has also trained at NorthU clinics to refine her racing skills. In 2023, after returning to Minneapolis, Katy founde
Katy Boyd began sailing in Boston nearly a decade ago and quickly became active in sailing competitions, including the Robie Pierce Regatta, Independence Cup, Beringer Bowl, and the 2022 Women’s Championship in Newport. She has also trained at NorthU clinics to refine her racing skills. In 2023, after returning to Minneapolis, Katy founded Twin Cities Blind Sailing and later co-founded the US Blind Sailing Association. She is passionate about expanding blind sailing opportunities for all ages across the U.S. and around the world. Katy is currently finishing her degree in architecture at the University of Minnesota. Outside of sailing, she enjoys swing dancing and building community through sport.
Annette Stelter Program Director/Board Member
Annette Stelter Program Director/Board Member
Annette Stelter Program Director/Board Member
Annetta learned to sail on Lake Bde Maka Ska and fell in love with the way sailing brings people together. She is passionate about helping others experience the sense of freedom and joy of being on the water!
Board of Directors
David Guthertz President
Zach Richards Vice President
Zach Richards Vice President
David, from the Twin Cities of Minnesota, fell in love with sailing while learning on Bde Maka Ska. With a background in quality assurance and clinical research, he enjoys bringing a thoughtful and practical approach to whatever he’s working on. David values teamwork, attention to detail, and making the most of every opportunity—on and off the water.
Zach Richards Vice President
Zach Richards Vice President
Zach Richards Vice President
Bringing experience in quality engineering, data analytics, and nonprofit leadership. Zach specializes in building systems that improve accountability and organizational performance. Passionate about strengthening mission-driven organizations and proud to support Twin Cities Blind Sailing in creating inclusive, empowering experiences on the water for individuals with visual impairments.
Jessica McGee Treasurer
Zach Richards Vice President
Jessica McGee Treasurer
I’m Jessica McGee and I work as the President of First Farmers & Merchants bank in St. Paul, MN. I am the mom of 3 boys (25,12,12) and 1 grandson! I am passionate about inclusivity and advocating for marginalized communities. I am looking forward to helping TCBS in achieving their vision!
Amy St John Secretary
Zach Richards Vice President
Jessica McGee Treasurer
Andy Spence-Parsons Board Member
Andy Spence-Parsons Board Member
Andy Spence-Parsons Board Member
Andy Spence-Parsons is a passionate sailor with decades of racing experience on inland lakes and the Great Lakes, including the Chicago to Mackinac and Trans Superior races. He is an active J/24 racer and served as Commodore of Wayzata Yacht Club, where he focused on promoting safe, fun, and inclusive sailing. Trained to assist blind and
Andy Spence-Parsons is a passionate sailor with decades of racing experience on inland lakes and the Great Lakes, including the Chicago to Mackinac and Trans Superior races. He is an active J/24 racer and served as Commodore of Wayzata Yacht Club, where he focused on promoting safe, fun, and inclusive sailing. Trained to assist blind and visually impaired (BVI) sailors, Andy is committed to helping make the sailing community welcoming and accessible for everyone. Originally from England, he now lives in Maple Grove, MN, and brings his skills and enthusiasm to support the mission of Twin Cities Blind Sailing.
Mike Estomba Board Member
Andy Spence-Parsons Board Member
Andy Spence-Parsons Board Member
My blindness is more afraid of me than I’m afraid of it. That’s how I like it!
U of M Bachelor's from Carlson School of Management
Retired Programmer / Analyst
Aaron Sather Board Member
Andy Spence-Parsons Board Member
Annetta Stelter Program Director/Board Member
Aaron Sather began sailing on the San Francisco Bay during the pandemic. In Minnesota, he has been a volunteer at MSC as a sighted guide over the past two years. He has a decade of professional experience as a designer and animator in the commercial and advertising industry. And, in an attempt to shift careers, he is also currently pursui
Aaron Sather began sailing on the San Francisco Bay during the pandemic. In Minnesota, he has been a volunteer at MSC as a sighted guide over the past two years. He has a decade of professional experience as a designer and animator in the commercial and advertising industry. And, in an attempt to shift careers, he is also currently pursuing a Master of Nursing degree at the University of Minnesota. When not on the water, Aaron can be found biking around Minneapolis or enjoying a new restaurant with a few friends.
Annetta Stelter Program Director/Board Member
Dr. Ivonne Mosquera-Schmidt Board Member
Annetta Stelter Program Director/Board Member
Annetta learned to sail on Lake Bde Maka Ska and fell in love with the way sailing brings people together. She is passionate about helping others experience the sense of freedom and joy of being on the water!