A FORMER club of an Olympic sailor is keeping a close eye on his progress in France.

Olympic sailing competitions are ongoing in Marseilles and Deeside-based Shotwick Lake Sailing Club members are taking a keen interest in the progress of one of the Team GB sailors.

Chester-born, double Olympian Chris Grube is competing in the 470 mixed racing dinghy class, alongside Vita Heathcote.

Grube finished an impressive fifth at both Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2020).

He actually announced his retirement in 2021 but returned in 2023 with Heathcote.

They won a silver at this year’s World Championships and qualified for the Olympic team. Chris’ sister Ceri Grube is an active member of the Shotwick club, regularly competing in her RS Aero.

Shotwick Commodore Jeremy Cooper said: “We’re very proud of our association with Chris. He’s 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 and look forward to welcoming him back to Shotwick at some point in the future!”

A race disqualification earlier this week meant Grube and Heathcote dropped from fifth to 11th in their class.

Racing continued yesterday, while the medal race takes place today.