Lindy Leach

Crew

Biography

Growing up around the lakes of Minnesota, I’ve always enjoyed being on, in, or near the water. I’ve sailed, canoed, boated, kayaked, and paddle boarded on lakes, oceans, and rivers. My regular trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota re-enforces my paddling and self-reliant outdoor survival skills. I learned at a young age about safety awareness and carried those practices with me during my 30-year Army career. I’m interested in completing the R2AK with my team to not only utilize my boating skills, but my decision making, team building, communication, and organizational skills.

Accomplishments

Achieved the Army’s highest non-commissioned officer rank of Sergeant Major.
Served as the United States Parachute Association’s accuracy landing team manager for various world championships and competitions.
Learning new skills, such as playing the piano.
Raised 2 daughters, who are productive citizens and doing a great job at raising their children.
Wrote a yet unpublished book for middle grade children, about a girl’s real and imagined adventures while flying cross country with her aunt in a single engine airplane.

All Members of Team Fly Girls

Marnie Landau

I don’t know of another race where I can use my physical strength and bicycling endurance, while sailing. I like competing and learning new things. I have confidence in my teammates’ abilities to make it to the finish line. The R2AK is a chance for me to contribute to the team and show why we are named Team Fly Girls.

Betsy Hoats

“Hell yes, I’m in!” Why? Because, adventure is my guiding core value, and this is obviously a great one! This race is an opportunity to grow my skills, as it requires a kind of sailing I’ll never encounter on the Great Lakes. Lastly, I want to inspire girls and women of all types to pursue their big dreams, take risks, and not wait for the perfect time. The right time is NOW.

Chris Christenson

In 2024, after meeting race participants, exploring their boats and propulsion systems,
and understanding more about the R2AK, I instantly knew I had to do this race. I thrive
on adventure and challenges. My 40 years of sailing (12 years sailing the Pacific
Northwest), coupled with my competitive history means I know what it takes physically
and mentally for an event like this. I’m excited to push myself and deepen my sailing
expertise with these four incredible women.

Cheryl Stearns

I’ve always been drawn to competing and setting goals that test my physical and mental strengths. Most of my accomplishments have been in skydiving and flying. The R2AK excites me. It opens a door for me to use some of my skills and experiences to help my team cross the finish line and ring that bell!

Lindy Leach

I jumped on board (not literally, because I was buckled up in the back seat of a car) when invited to join Team Fly Girls for the 2026 R2AK. Unless I join the Navy Seals, where else can I help propel a boat 750 miles while being wet, cold, and tired? It’s a challenge and adventure right up my alley and I’m going for it!