A former British champion in the single-handed Laser, Glyn Charles made two failed attempts to qualify for the Olympics in the Soling class, losing out to Lawrie Smith in 1988 and 1992. Finally successful in 1996, he sailed in the Star class and placed 11th off the Georgia coast. While already preparing for Sydney, Charles competed in the 1998 Sydney-to-Hobart race that was struck by a powerful storm. Charles’s yacht capsized, throwing him into the water and out of the reach of his crew. He eventually drifted out of sight, and his body was never recovered. Five other sailors perished in the same storm.
Great Britain