Twin Cities Blind Sailing - Youth Camp, Cruising, Racing

Contact this person with any questions:

Katy Boyd
Email - katy.boyd@us-blindsailing.org
Phone - 781-910-1101

Welcome to Twin Cities Blind Sailing! We are thrilled to bring blind and visually impaired sailing to the Twin Cities area, creating new opportunities for independence, adventure, and community on the water.

Twin Cities Blind Sailing has been sailing since 2023, and we are a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are excited to partner with Lake Harriet Yacht Club, Minneapolis Sailing Center, and Wayzata Sailing, which will provide incredible opportunities for blind and low-vision sailors to experience the freedom and joy of being on the water. With their support, we’re committed to making sailing accessible to all.

This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to grow the program with the help of dedicated sailors, sighted guides, and volunteers. Whether you are a first-time sailor or an experienced one, we welcome you to join us as we set sail in the Twin Cities!

You can learn more about Twin Cities Blind Sailing and our mission on our website at www.twincitiesblindsailing.org.

At Twin Cities Blind Sailing, you will learn to sail at your own pace in a supportive and fun environment. With the help of a sighted guide, you will have the opportunity to rig the boat, take the helm, and participate in other sailing tasks as you build your skills and confidence on the water.

Each session will have one sighted guide on board with up to three blind or low-vision sailors, depending on who signs up for that time slot. Our goal is to create an enjoyable and educational experience while making sailing accessible to all.

 To participate, there are three steps you must complete:

1. Register on this website – This allows you to book a sail time and location. Sails must be booked at least 48 hours in advance so we can ensure we have enough sighted guides and boats available.
2. Fill out the Google form – Click the button at the top of the page to complete this required form.
3. Waiver Form – You will also need to complete a waiver form for the boat club, which is a requirement for all participants.
4. Book a sail on this website - Go to the homepage, and scroll to the bottom to start booking your sails.  You will get a text message when booking is completed.

By registering on the website, you will also gain access to our forum, training videos, and other helpful materials that are currently being created to support your sailing journey.

 Sailing Sessions

• Please arrive a few minutes early to check in, get your life vest, and prepare for your time on the water.
• Feel free to bring a water bottle, wear sunscreen, and dress for the weather in clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet.
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Available Sailing Sessions

The sailing sessions are first come, first serve, and we ask that if you need to cancel, please contact your point person ASAP so someone else can have the opportunity to sail. The days, times, and locations are as follows:

Solo Sailing at Lake Harriet Yacht Club

• Every Monday starting May 12th at 5pm.  Must have the basics for this.

Cruising at Minneapolis Sailing Center (All Ages Welcome)

• Every other Saturday starting May 31st from 10am-12:30pm
• Last sail is on September 6th

Racing at Wayzata Sailing (All Ages Welcome)

• Every Tuesday starting May 20th from 6pm-sunset
• Last sail is on August 26th

Youth Camps at Minneapolis Sailing Center

• July 21st-25th
• August 11th-15th

To book a sail, go to the homepage and scroll to the bottom. That is where we list all location bookings. 

 In order to sail, you must be 8 years old or older. 

Participation in the sailing sessions is free thanks to our partners. However, if you enjoy your experience, we encourage you to consider donating to the boat club where you sailed or to the US Blind Sailing Association to help support and grow the program.  You can also donate to TCBS.

We look forward to having you on the water—see you soon!

Across the U.S., there are multiple blind sailing groups, and this network continues to grow each year. As a blind sailor, you are welcome to sail at any of our locations at any time! We simply ask that you book a sail in advance and contact the designated point person for that location. Each blind sailing chapter’s page will list the appropriate contact to help coordinate your sail.