The Olympian, The Entrepreneur, The Explorer

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.