Born in St. Petersburg, FL, Zach has always been involved in activities that were associated with the water.  When he was 8 years old,  his mother’s dentist suggested enrolling him in a summer sailing program at Clearwater Yacht Club.  From the first day he set foot in a sailboat, he knew it was where he belonged and he told his mom after that first day, “I just love it so much because I can be down next to the water.”

Possessing an extreme competitive nature, Zach quickly achieved national and international recognition as one of the top young talents in the sailing world.  He is considered by many to be the most decorated youth sailor the United States has ever produced.   He first represented the US in a World Championship at the age of 11.  Once experiencing this event, Zach realized that he wanted to dedicate himself to the sport of sailing and strive to become one of the premier sailors in the world.

Zach sailed in many developmental boats leading him on a path toward the Olympic Sailing circuit.  He eventually settled into the Finn.  The Finn is considered to be the most physically demanding boat of all the Olympic Classes.  Zach graduated from the University of Miami in May of 2006 and immediately shifted his focus to realize his dream of representing the United States in 2008.

Now, Zach is on his way to the 2008 Olympic Games being held in Beijing, China.  He is now representing the United States on the Worlds largest stage and his life long dream of Olympic glory is being realized.

The goal now is simple.  Train hard, stay focused and be as prepared as possible when the Games begin!! 

“Some people do it for fun, that’s admirable.  Some people do it to occupy time, that’s fine but athletes do it for the challenge and that’s respectable; however, I do it to be the best! Now that’s a champion!”