More used to sailing alone, two-time Sunfish world champion Malcolm Smith has added a not-so-secret weapon to his arsenal for the Pan-Am Games in Argentine coach Pablo (Dino) Weber.

The South American is giving his expert advice to both Smith and Bermuda's Laser competitor Zander Kirkland in Santo Domingo and the former greatly appreciates the fresh input.

"Dino worked really good with me today," said Smith (44) as he returned from practice on Saturday afternoon.

"It's his first time working with me. We did a couple of practice races with all the guys in the class and then Dino spent some time with me. He saw watching them (the other sailors) where maybe I can make some changes to help me out with boat speed and other things.

"I don't get a lot of one-on-one coaching back home, very, very little, and so I appreciate any that I can get at this stage."

As for his chances, the defending silver medallist said: "There's 11 guys here in the Sunfish class and I think it can pretty much swing any way.

"The lighter sailors are doing well in the light to medium winds and medium chop, so it's going to be difficult and we will have to wait and see how it starts to pan out and see if there is a pecking order.

"We will have to see what happens after two or three days, see where I stand and see if I have a shot. It's not a shoo-in, nothing's guaranteed - you've got to get out there and you are going to have to work for it.

"There's no big plan in mind, the plan is hopefully to come home with a medal. That's it. Just go out there and give it my best shot."