From CEO to global family adventure

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.