Rio 2016: Luke Patience aims to add to Olympic 470 silver

The Olympian admits it has been a “manic” period. Having laid the groundwork with Willis, he said they believed they were well on course for success this summer.

He said: “We were regularly on the podium, won the European Championships and finally managed to end the Australians’ dominance in our class, beating them in Miami in 2015 – that was a big, big moment as they’d been unbeaten in 17 regattas.

“We really felt we were on target. As soon as we beat the Aussies we thought we could go to Rio and win.”

But the Scot paid tribute to 31-year-old Grube, who has been “so humble” despite being thrown into the challenge of learning to work in total unison, up against teams who have many years together.

“I’ve asked so much of him,” said Patience. “He has a family at home and is renovating a house and I’ve asked him to stop all that and come Olympic sailing with me.

“I think I’ve had a new lesson in work ethic since Elliot had to stop sailing, we are cramming in time on the water.

“There are 24 hours a day in every day – but it’s the same amount of hours Albert Einstein had, and Leonardo Di Vinci, and they both did amazing things.

“I now expect to arrive on the start line, look around and know I’ve worked harder in those seven months than everyone. I want that feeling and that will give me a boost.”

Despite having to re-qualify and establish a solid partnership in such a short time frame, Patience seems remarkably confident that he and Grube can earn a spot on the podium.

“I don’t see any reason why ‘Twiggy’ (Grube) and I can’t produce a result that will bring home any colour of medal. It’s a tall order, but somebody has to win.”