About Twin Cities Blind Sailing

My name is Katy Boyd, and I'm 43 years old, currently living in Minneapolis, MN. I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) when I was just 10 years old, which gradually led to legal blindness as I grew older.

After reaching a point where driving was no longer safe for me, I decided to make a change and moved to Boston. It was there, in the city by the sea, that I discovered sailing—a sport that would profoundly change my life. From the very first moment I stepped onto a sailboat, I was captivated. I couldn't believe that while I couldn't drive a car, I was allowed to sail a boat with confidence and independence.

When my father asked me why I chose what seemed to be one of the most expensive sports out there, I explained to him that sailing made me feel free—free from the limitations imposed by my vision loss. The water became my escape, my playground, and my source of empowerment.

Now, living in Minneapolis, I am determined to share this feeling of freedom and empowerment with others in the blind and visually impaired community. I believe that sailing can be a transformative experience for individuals facing similar challenges, offering them a sense of liberation and joy on the open water.