In December 1927, Smith learned how to fly a Curtiss JN-4 under the instruction of Charles Lindbergh, recently returned from his transatlantic flight.

In 1943, he returned to active service; he served in the Navy for another ten years, retiring in 1953, having attained the rank of captain.

He competed at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London in the sailing competitions, where he won a gold medal in the 6 metre class with the boat Uanoria.

After a two-year battle with cancer, Smith died at a hospital in La Jolla, San Diego, California on November 24, 1982.

He was survived by his wife, Diane; a son, Morgan, and three daughters, Joy, Dinah and Sandra.