[2] After five years' experience, he became a member of the British Youth Sailing squad, and at the age of 22 was national champion in the Laser dinghy class.
After missing selection for the 1992 Olympics, Charles undertook offshore racing, first representing Great Britain in the 1993 Admiral's Cup; he would participate in the event four times.
He funded his endeavours by racing various types of boat on behalf of others, and received support from prominent sailing philanthropists.
[3] Charles drowned whilst participating in the 630-mile Sydney to Hobart race, sailing the Sword of Orion; intense conditions battered the 115-boat fleet, sinking five, and causing 66 to retire, with 55 crewmen requiring recovery in Australia's biggest maritime rescue.
The inquest found, after tests conducted on the lanyard Charles was wearing, that it did not meet the required Australian standard, and had failed at the stitching.