Local sailor Dee Smith is currently competing in the 2015 Para World Sailing Championships in Melbourne, Australia. He is currently in sixth place out of 48 boats after having completed eight races, racing in the adaptive boats, the 2.4 meter. Smith is the only American sailor in one of the most highly decorated fleets of sailors competing at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria.
Smith has 35 years of professional sailing experience, acting as the technical consultant, general manager, and tactician for some of the biggest Grand Prix racers in current history (check out his experience below). The fact that he's sailing in the Paralympics may come as a shock to some who have seen him on land. He's a fit 62-year old with the enthusiasm and energy of a 20-year old river rat.
But eight years ago, during the America's Cup in Valencia, cancer was discovered in Smith's spine. He was given nine months to live, considering the damage done. Although his recovery was long and often doubtful, it was a testament to his passion and enthusiasm for life.
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As soon as he was well enough, he got right back to doing what he loves.
“Last year, I went to the technical director of the US Olympics team and told him that I should coach the team in tactics and strategy to help the team get along. And he says, ‘Dee, that’s a really good idea, but if you want to help us to win medals, then you should sail.’ And I said, ‘Well, I can’t sail anything, I’m too old,’ and he goes, ‘Paralympics.’ And I go, ‘No, wait a minute. I’m not disabled.’ And he says, ‘I think you’ll qualify.’ And he was absolutely right.”
The damage in his spine was enough to qualify him for the Paralympic Games. Read more about Smith, and help him in his campaign here.
