Understanding The Vision

Zach wasn’t looking for just a boat, he was planning a lifestyle. As the former COO and Director of ILIA Beauty, a family-founded and now globally recognized skincare brand, Zach had spent years building a business with his sister and mother. But while the company soared, he was quietly dreaming of a new chapter, splitting his time between his two main passions outside of family, backcountry skiing and sailing.

A double Olympic windsurfer and lifelong waterman, Zach had performance in his DNA and an appreciation for clean lines and clever design instilled by his father, an architect. He was after more than just speed; he wanted a platform that could satisfy his ex Olympic sailing friends, explore remote anchorages with family, and reflect his own sense of individuality and style.

When Zach first FaceTimed me, it was clear we clicked. We talked boats. We talked cars. We talked life. What started as a casual conversation evolved into a multi-month search ranging from a Gunboat 68 through to smaller Outremers. But nothing quite fit.

That is until GAEA.

The Turning Point

I told Zach about a custom Morrelli & Melvin 65 that I was about to list, and I told him that he had to see it! He travelled to Newport, and I arranged to have the yacht moored directly outside his hotel window! The next morning, he opened the curtain,s and there she was.

We sailed that day in late October in Newport Harbor. Just Zach, the Captain, and me. For the time of the year, you could not have asked for better fall conditions. Sunshine. 20 knots of True Wind Speed in the harbour. And within minutes, it was obvious that GAEA wasn’t just a great boat. She was his boat, and the smile on his face was wider than the Newport Pell Bridge!

Seatrial Photo

But there was a challenge: the seller was preparing for winter layup, and Zach didn’t yet have the full funds to purchase. After some negotiation, we structured a bold solution: a non-refundable deposit to secure the boat until April, giving Zach time to finalize the purchase. It was a risk. But Zach trusted his gut.

Four days before the deadline, we closed the deal.

Reimagining GAEA

Zach didn’t waste a moment. He launched a major refit, new paint, upgraded solar and battery systems, new saloon design, galley, new flooring, paint, nav electronics, redesigned salon, and a completely reimagined aft cockpit with deck and systems redesign.

But the most remarkable part? Zach brought in his best mates, Blair Tuke and Pete Burling of Team New Zealand, and multiple gold medals to their name, to help redesign key performance elements. On their way to Bermuda for the Sail GP event, but without time to get to Newport, this was Zac’s perfect opportunity to get them onboard. With no car option quick enough, they flew in via helicopter from JFK, landed in Newport like rock stars, and got to work.

With their insight and vision, GAEA’s deck layout design was refined and optimised within hours. The design removed her davits, added a traveller onto the aft beam (removing the A-frame mainsheet system that has become obsolete in the latest performance boats), and a new single winch pod designed to handle all of the many lines. It was complex, but the final product was stunning: a striking, minimalist platform built to sail fast, short-handed, entertain well, and explore far whilst looking like the Don! Its a stunning boat, and a masterpiece through serious commitment from Zac.

Final Thoughts

GAEA is now exactly what Zach envisioned, a fast, light, semi-custom yacht that blends performance with soul and a stealth-looking color scheme. Today, she’s exploring high latitudes, heading toward Svalbard, after an Atlantic crossing and a few years of European sailing.

For Zach, the dream was never about ownership; it was about freedom. Spike was proud to play a role in bringing that vision and dream to life.

From Startup to Sailing Freedom

Iyah, founder and former CEO spent years building and leading one of the fastest-growing healthcare companies in the U.S. In 2022, he made a bold decision: to step away and take his young family on a very different journey, sailing the world together.

With limited offshore experience but a clear sense of purpose, Iyah, his wife, their two kids, and the family dog set off aboard a small monohull, heading south (in early winter) down the East Coast from New York and into the Caribbean. The dream was alive, but the boat wasn’t quite right. They quickly realized they needed more space, more speed and a platform that could truly carry their ambitions.

Into Multihulls

Their first catamaran was a pre-owned model purchased directly from a manufacturer. It didn’t live up to expectations. That moment could’ve marked the end of their sailing chapter but instead, it sharpened the vision.

That’s when he met Spike.

A Thorough Search

Iyah came to Spike with a focused but open mind. He was considering all performance multihulls but had narrowed the search to two options: the H&H 66 and the Gunboat 66. Both are large, powerful, and Ocean Greyhounds but not typically owner-operated. Still, Iyah had enough experience combined with the skills and mindset to pull it off.

Over several trips to San Diego, Spike and Iyah inspected the Gunboat 66 in depth. From structural inspections to performance trials, we pushed hard to pressure-test the option. Meanwhile, Iyah applied the same diligence to the H&H 66, commissioning surveys, analyzing the design, and benchmarking every factor.

In the end, Moondoggie, a well-traveled Gunboat 66 with pedigree, pace, and personality won out. After a short refit, the Romms were off.

A New Life Under Sail

From California, they sailed west. Over the next two years, Moondoggie became more than a boat, it became a home. The family cruised extensively across the Pacific, growing into the rhythms of life afloat.

And like any great home, Moondoggie continues to evolve. After thousands of miles and deep attachment, the Romms opted for a major refit, this time in New Zealand. Why? Because even after seeing what else is out there, no new boat quite matches what they already have.

The upgrades are tailored around livability, reliability, and long-term comfort. It’s an investment in their future family adventures.

Final Thoughts

Moondoggie shows what’s possible when you stop looking for the perfect fit and start creating it. With vision and determination, the Romms turned a well travelled platform into something legendary and uniquely theirs.

We’ll continue to follow the Romm’s as their refit progresses and as their journey continues. Whether you’re chasing trade winds, school schedules, or global connection, the right yacht can take you and your family further than you ever imagined.