More than 90 boats from all parts of the US were competing in the event held in Hyannis harbour, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and were split into gold and silver fleets.

Smith comfortably beat off competition from 62 opponents in the gold fleet with a consistent performance in eight races over three days, his worst placing sixth.

Some of the opponents he will face in Winnipeg, Canada when the Pan-Am sailing competition starts on July 24, were among the field, including former world champion Danny Martinborough, of the Bahamas.

Smith bagged one first, two seconds, two thirds, two fourths and a sixth, and after discarding the sixth, ended with a score of 19 points.

His closest rivals were New York's Larry Suter with 32 points, followed by Martinborough on 34.

So great was Smith's lead that he did not need to sail in the last race, but did so anyway, finishing third.

And his fine form had clearly left Smith in the right frame of mind for the Pan-Ams. He had a blunt message for the opposition: "They are going to have to sail their butts off to beat me!'' Smith added: "I will be up against 12 to 14 individuals, each the best from their country and that's when the ball game really changes and the level gets higher. But I'm really hoping I can come back with a medal.''