In this episode of The Blind Chick Founder of Twin Cities Blind Sailing and co-founder of the U.S. Blind Sailing Association, Katy Boyd traces her vision-loss story, the freedom she found on the water, and how accessible sailing scales from youth camps to ocean racing. Topics include training blind helms with tactile and auditory cues, solo sailing in Mini-Illusions, safety and right-of-way on busy harbors, racing culture, mental-health benefits, and building national and global programs. Clear takeaways: sailing is teachable, teamwork matters, and access grows when local clubs partner and commit. Contact Info Guest/Org: Katy Boyd — U.S. Blind Sailing Association • us-blindsailing.org • Twin Cities Blind Sailing (donations for local growth via program page; national growth, contact Katy via the site) Aftersight (network): feedback@aftersight.org • (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street Guest: Katy Boyd Producer: Jonathan Price Series: The Blind Chick — an Aftersight Original Chapter Markers 00:00 — Opening and guest setup 02:17 — RP diagnosis and reclaiming architecture 04:38 — First sail in Boston and falling in love with the water 06:57 — Harbor stories and the five-horn barge lesson 09:21 — Learning venues: Charles River to open harbor 11:45 — Stress, humor, and decision-making under pressure 14:09 — Big-race goals and “firsts” for blind sailors 16:31 — Youth camps, safe starter boats, and racing pathways 18:50 — Teaching philosophy: rigging, knots, and 3D lake maps 21:13 — Why blind sailors excel at the helm 23:38 — Team dynamics: blind helm with sighted bow calls 25:59 — Solo sailing in Mini-Illusions and guide boats 28:23 — Night sailing logic and nonvisual navigation 30:49 — Independent outings and learning limits (fishing fail) 33:07 — Apps, rules, and racing without assistive tech 35:29 — Practicing blindfolded skills safely 37:52 — Starting programs in Minneapolis and beyond 40:11 — Colorado partnerships and site growth 42:31 — Progress stories: fear to racing to solo 44:55 — Mental health, volunteers, and first-time nerves 47:18 — Transfer effects: confidence beyond the dock 49:36 — How to connect and donate 51:59 — Scaling nationally and internationally 54:18 — Inclusion on the line with Olympians 56:39 — Final message: do not accept imposed limits 58:42 — Close and Aftersight thanks