SAILING WITH A MASTER PETE PHILLIPS Seeing sailboats on the water is part of the beauty. Pete Phillip, Owner Smith Mountain Lake Sailing School & Charters What do you love about Smith Mountain Lake? I think the thing that makes Smith Mountain Lake so special is the people who live here. They all feel so blessed to be here and they're so happy. They also have the time to dedicate to charity. I've never lived in a community where there was such a focus on volunteerism. There's this sense of generosity and the feeling of appreciation that God has put them here for a purpose. What makes SML a great spot for sailing enthusiasts? The thing that makes SML special for sailing is it's a beautiful setting. You have nice breezes and no waves - and I say waves because people coming from a coastal setting are accustomed to dealing with 3- to 5-foot waves. Even on a breezy day at Smith Mountain Lake you're not contending with big waves like the big rollers on the Atlantic Ocean. And we have no flies! 24 | VISITSMITHMOUNTAINLAKE.COM Pete, Sailing Master People in Great Lakes have to put up with nasty flies, some that bite. We take that for granted. How can I get involved in sailing at SML? BYRA [Blackwater Yacht Racing Association] offers an amazing social club for only $150 per year. You don't need to own a sailboat to join or participate. Visitors can come and learn, participate as a crew member or just socialize. Functions are scheduled throughout the year. byra.org. SAILING Blackwater Yacht Racing Association at Pelican Point Yacht Club 37 Paradise Ln., Union Hall (540) 576-1904 byrasailing.org SML Sailing School and Charters 108 Hillcrest Heights Dr., Moneta (540) 719-0009 smithmountainlakesailing.com Virginia Inland Sailing Association 450 Sailor's Dr., Moneta (540) 721-2350 visayc.orghttp://www.byrasailing.org http://www.smithmountainlakesailing.com http://www.byra.org http://www.visayc.org http://www.VISITSMITHMOUNTAINLAKE.COM