It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of ocean racing legend Magnus Olsson, but I also felt that we were privileged and lucky to have his presence in our sport and our lives. If there's one thing he will be forever remembered for most, it was his smile. Seen by so many in race coverage, even more powerful in person.

This video goes some way to paying tribute to a man who was both a great sailor, and a lovely human being. He also never seemed to grow old... staying young at heart to the end. Magnus Olsson, you will forever be one of my heroes.


 

Magnus Olsson

Written by: Gael Pawson
Gael Pawson is the editor of Yachts & Yachting Magazine and the founder of Creating Waves. A keen racer, she has sailed all her life, and started writing about the subject whilst studying journalism at university. Dinghies and small keelboats are her first loves, but she has cruised and raced a huge variety of boats in locations across the world.