OLYMPIC hope Chris Grube has relocated from Chester to the London 2012 sailing venue in Weymouth to give himself an advantage in the run-up to the Games.

Despite the fact the Olympics are still three years away, Mickle Trafford sailor Grube believes familiarising himself with the local conditions will be an advantage as he and sailing partner Luke Patience, from Scotland, bid to represent Team GB.

“We have looked at our options and think that this is the way forward,” said 23-year-old Grube, who previously trained on the continent.

“Different locations have very different conditions and by learning the nuances of the wind this early and becoming accustomed to them, we are improving our chances.”

The duo, who sail in the 470 dinghy class, are taking advice from an experienced coach who has trained a gold medal-winning team before.

“We are just trying to find that edge,” said former Upton High School pupil Grube. “We are the British number one crew but we need to deliver on the European and world stage if we are to secure a berth at the London Olympics.”

The pair did travel to the Beijing Games last summer, as training partners for 470 silver medallists Nick Rogers and Joe Glanfield, but next time they want to be the ones competing.

“We are working on a lot of tactical stuff to try to make sure we can adapt during a race,” said Grube. “When the next Olympics come we will be perfectly placed, because the prime age for a 470 sailor is mid 20s. We have enough experience and enough ability that we can make it happen.”

Before Christmas they competed in an Olympic 470 regatta in Palamos, Spain, and finished third, the first British boat to complete the race.

“The event was a good opportunity for us to apply everything we've been doing in training recently.

“Although the result wasn’t our main focus we were very pleased to come away with a bronze medal,” said Grube.

This summer they will compete in the World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, knowing that a top placing would put them in contention for Olympic selection.