Local sailor becomes a three-time Olympian

Published 09:56 on 30 Jul 2024

The Olympic Sailing competitions are underway, and Shotwick Lake Sailing Club members are taking a keen interest in the progress of one of the GB sailors.

Chester-born, double Olympian Chris Grube is back on the Olympic trail in the 470 mixed racing dinghy class in Marseille. Chris first joined the British Sailing Team in 2004 and finished an impressive 5th at both Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2020), both times in the 470 class. 

Chris actually announced his retirement in 2021 but returned to GB duty in 2023 with Vita. Together they won a silver medal at this years World Championships and qualified for the Olympic Team. Their Olympic competition starts this Friday (August 2nd) with the final medal race on Wednesday (August 7th).

The name may sound familiar to current Shotwick sailors, as Chriss sister Ceri Grube is an active member of the Club, regularly competing in her RS Aero. Ceri explained that as a youngster Chris Twigs or Twiggy, used to cycle to Shotwick to sail with Don Burnett. He also used to sail with his Dad at Bala SC where he was spotted by Izzy Hutchinson. Izzy took him along to Plas Menai for Welsh Sailing Squad selection, and so Chriss international sailing career was born.

Shotwick Commodore, Jeremy Cooper, commented. Were very proud of our association with Chris. Hes a real inspiration to all of us at the Club, especially the youngsters just starting out on their sailing journey. We wish Chris and the GB Sailing Team well over the next week or so and look forward to welcoming him back to Shotwick at some point in the future!

GB Sailing Team: https://britishsailingteam.rya.org.uk

Shotwick Lake Sailing: http://www.shotwicksailing.org

Last updated 16:58 on 12 October 2024