Lakers eager to improve their sailing skills have a hands-on-the-tiller opportunity at Smith Mountain Lake Sailing School.

Retired General Motors marketing executive Pete Phillip has more than 40 years of sailing experience and is a certified United States Sailing Association instructor -- as well as an instructor for the Boat Virginia safety course. He began teaching the finer points of wind-in-your sails a little more than four years ago when his Stratford, Conn., Housatonic Boat Club needed someone to run its Junior Sailing Program.

"I was no longer working full time, so I could devote the necessary hours to the program," Phillip said.

Finding that he enjoyed being a sailing instructor, Phillip decided to continue teaching when he relocated to SML a year later. He's had about 150 students in the past three years -- from North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

"Some have just bought a boat and need to know how to use it," Phillip explained. "Some are contemplating a purchase but want to be sure they like the sport before plunking down the cash. Some want a spouse or child to become a self-sufficient sailor or more competent crew members. And a few have been in the 'I've always wanted to know how to do this' category -- checking off a 'bucket-list' item now that they have time."

SML Sailing School offers four proficiency levels. The "novice" and "advanced" courses teach seamanship and sailing basics and give on-the-water instruction in boat handling and sail management skills.

"Racing school" is for more advanced sailors who are looking to become proficient at race strategy, tactics and maneuvers"spinnaker" gives individuals or teams instruction and practice with this element of sailing.

Each session includes classroom and dockside orientation plus time on the water aboard one of Phillip's vessels -- the J/24 sloop Rascal or a Laser Class centerboard race boat. Phillip accompanies novice and advanced students and gradually gives them increasing responsibility for handling the boat. Classes also may be taught using students' own boats.

Lessons last four to five hours, pricing varies by course and the number of students. A U.S. SAILING text and exam are provided.

Phillip, as a member of the Blackwater Yacht Racing Association (BYRA), occasionally facilitates placing students as crew on racing sailboats.

"One of our goals is to bring new people into the sport," he said.

While maneuvering a sailboat around a sheltered cove may be learned by trial and error, sailboat racing requires skill and practice.

"The lessons accelerate the learning curve," Phillip explained, "with an emphasis on safety under all sailing circumstances."

A number of Phillip's students have gone on to successfully compete in the BYRA racing program.

That's the case with Paul and Stephanie Triska, who turned to SML Sailing School a year and a half ago when they were wondering whether sailing might be a more relaxing way to enjoy the water than the power boat they'd had for years.

Paul Triska has high praise for Phillip's training: "Besides being incredibly knowledgeable, Pete has a passion for sailing that's contagious. It's hard not to get infected by his enthusiasm."

The Triskas most certainly did. After novice and advanced lessons, they went on to crew aboard a BYRA boat, making friends in the process. They've since bought a Merit 25 and enjoy having another couple from Phillip's classes as their crew.

For more information about SML Sailing School, contact Pete Phillip at (540) 719-0009 or phillip3511@aol.com or visit www.smithmountainlakesailing.com.

JERRY HALE | Special to Laker Weekly 721.7222