With accomplishments in the sailing world, motorcycle racing and as an entrepreneur, Phil Smithies has a unique combination of talents. His sailing career began at the age of 12 in the United Kingdom where he was born. His winning ways started with his first championship at the age of 16 helming for the Preston (England) Sea Cadets and reached from his UK roots to many victories in the Caribbean Islands (Barbados, Antigua and St. Maarten), then on to the States for five US International Masters victories, a 2005 Corinthian World Title (Melges 24 Class) and to where he has resided since 1989.
His only break from his illustrious Corinthian sailing career was a brief stint with Grand Prix motorcycle racing where he set records in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man TT races, continuing with his very competitive nature.
In between regattas, Mr. Smithies honed his entrepreneurial spirit by operating and owning several restaurants with renowned success. This afforded him the skills to manage and create lucrative businesses in an industry that is not known for its quick returns. After the sale of the last of his venture, Mr. Smithies decided on a change of scenery and headed to the west coast of Florida, landing in St. Pete Beach.
While working on a sport boat at the SPYC Sailing Center, a chance encounter in 1997 with the Canadian Disabled Sailing Team set Mr. Smithies in a direction that brings him to his current place. The initial meeting was merely to offer mechanical assistance, but over the next 12 years the relationship continued to grow into a brilliant mentoring opportunity. Mr. Smithies’ continued counsel and assistance helped to bring the Canadian Team a Bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. He has befriended and offered assistance and advice to many other International Disabled Athletes as they have traveled to St. Petersburg and elsewhere for regattas.
It is through this work and his experiences with high-level quadriplegics that Mr. Smithies has realized the need for a stronger permanent Disabled Sailing Program, especially in St. Petersburg. The beautiful weather and water are what initially drew him to the area, and he knows it is a continued draw for disabled sailors, especially those from the northern climes. His goal is to capitalize on the available facilities, the favorable conditions the area has to offer and create a program for the returning wounded veterans and disabled athletes who have not lost their zest for life and competition