60 Secs with Zac West

Zac West is the new Lead Coach for DBSC's Reach Youth Program

To welcome him to the club, Tory Epworth caught up with Zac for a brief Q&A:

Q: How old were you when you first stepped on a boat? 

Just after my 10th birthday, at a place called Papercourt Sailing Club on a tiny lake in the middle of England

Q: If money (& sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy?

I’d probably buy an F50, I really enjoy one-design racing and foiling so this would be the best mix between the two.

Q: What is your sailing goal?

The current shorter term sailing goal is to win the World Match Racing Tour World finals. Longer term is America’s Cup.

 Q: Tell us the back story to your laser's name?

It’s a bit of a boring one, but ZWR is the name of my latest Laser. Back in my Opti days, I created an Instagram account called Zac West Racing (ZWR) and it stuck as a nickname.

Q: If you could add any ingredient to our already world’s best toasties – what would it be?

The toasties are pretty good already, but if I had to it would be BBQ sauce.

Q: What are your second and third favourite hobbies (obviously assuming sailing holds the #1 spot).

Outside of sailing, it would be road cycling followed by trail running with my mates.

Q: Describe what you do for work in less than 5 words?

Professional Sailor & Coach

Q: What's the dream destination for your next trip? And why?

Lake Garda, Italy. It stuck as my favourite sailing location since my Opti days, and it's been too many years since I’ve been back there.

Q: What’s your favourite TV show, movie, and or book?

My favourite TV show and movie right now is Rick & Morty and Deadpool. I’m re-reading the Match Racing call book ahead of my Umpire exam.

Q: Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know...

I used to sail at DBSC before COVID during my Laser campaign but moved into the Match Racing scene just after the lockdowns and now am competing on the World Match Racing Tour. I also coach the NSWIS team with Australian Sailing and SailGP Inspire when their events are on this side of the world. I’m excited to be back at the club and help the Reach program sailors entering the summer season.