SIMON “SI FI” FISHER (2023)

Simon Fisher has been named the 10th recipient of the Magnus ‘Mange’ Olsson Prize, awarded annually to an individual who has made an impactful contribution to the sport of sailing.

Certainly this description fits Simon Fisher, known to all as SiFi, like a well-worn sailing glove. SiFi has competed in The Ocean Race six consecutive times, beginning in 2005-06, and has won the race twice, including the last edition with 11th Hour Racing Team. He is the only navigator in race history to earn this achievement.

During his 20-year career in the Race, SiFi has seen the race evolve from the Volvo Open 70 class, through the one-design VO65s (where he won the race in 2014-15 with skipper Ian Walker on board Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing), and now again to the flying, foiling IMOCAs.

“My greatest accomplishment was probably winning the 2014-15 Ocean Race, as it was both the realisation of a childhood dream and the result of many years of hard work and experience,” SiFi has said. “I’m also proud of the fact that I have managed to dip my toe into many different areas that our sport has to offer, and I always enjoy new experiences and challenges.”

For over 10 years, Fisher has been a director of Diverse Performance Systems, which provides onboard systems for racing and performance cruising boats as well as superyachts where his vast experience as navigator has benefitted many projects.

Traditionally, the role of navigator is among the most important on a boat competing in The Ocean Race, and their decisions on race strategy, alongside the skipper, are critical to the success of a campaign. But the work starts long before the race begins in terms of analysing historic weather patterns and working up an accurate performance profile of the competing race yacht to feed into the navigation routing software. SiFi is among the best in the world at this..

During this latest edition of The Ocean Race, SiFi embraced the leadership role his team was taking on sustainability via 11th Hour Racing, with a keen interest in the onboard science data programme, which feeds real-time data from the boat back to researchers on shore. One of the many uses of this data is to improve weather forecasting, which as a navigator is one of the core inputs needed to provide fast and efficient routing.

“It’s such an honour to be recognised by the Magnus Olsson Memorial Foundation for this award,” Fisher said. “I had the opportunity to cross paths with Mange a few times early in my career at The Ocean Race and he never failed to make an impact with his positivity, enthusiasm and pure joy at the prospect of going to sea and racing around the world. His attitude was infectious - you couldn’t help but smile when you were around Magnus.”

PELLE “PELLE P” PETTERSON (2022)

For many years Pelle Petterson was one of the best sailors in Sweden. With two Olympic medals in the Star class - one bronze in 1964 and one silver in 1972 - and a further ten World Championship medals, including one gold in 1969, he was also a top name on the international sailing circuit. Twice he led a Swedish challenge for the America’́s Cup, in 1977 and 1980, with the boat Sverige. Both times, with Mange Olsson as a valued team member.

He also raced on board The Card, the Swedish entry in the 1989-90 edition of the Whitbread Round the World Race, the predecessor of The Ocean Race.

In addition to being a renowned sailor, Pelle is also a design icon, first and foremost within the marine industry where over 100,000 boats have been produced to his designs. But it doesn’t end there; Pelle created a Volvo sports car (the P1800, which is today a cult classic). His other design products range from watches to a Stena ferry.

In 2004 he was awarded the KTH, The Royal Institute of Technology prize for his lifelong design work and in 2011 he received the H.M. Konungens, his Majesty the King’s, medal for special services.

Pelle is the very first member of the Swedish Sailing Hall of Fame. He can also claim an influence on helping to develop Magnus Olsson into the renowned sailor he would become, after offering him a place as crew on board the Swedish America’s Cup challenger, Sverige in 1977. Pelle had recognised that Mange was a good dinghy sailor and had dedicated his special project at KTH (The Royal Institute of Technology) to the computerization of compasses. Mange would help Pelle to create a navigation system for the campaign and become a crew member for the Sverige challenge.

That was nearly 50 years ago, in 1976. Mange was just 27 years old and never hesitated to jump onboard when he got the call from Pelle. Mange would say goodbye to his engineering career after Pelle handed Mange his ticket to the professional sailing circuit.

Now the circle is complete, with Pelle P winning the 2022 Magnus Olsson Prize.

MARTINE GRAEL (2021)

Martine Grael, from Brazil, is one of the best skiff-sailors in the world and won the gold medal in 49erFX in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro (2016) and in Tokyo (2020).

“My clearest memory with Magnus comes from the Volvo Ocean Race in 2008-2009 when he was the skipper of Ericsson 3 and my father (Torben Grael) was skipper on Ericsson 4,” Grael said. “During the hospitality sailing at one of the stopovers, Magnus took some clients out and I managed to grab a ride on the boat. He was such a personable and upbeat guy who made a genuine connection with his crewmates and the sponsors on board for the day. Of course, I’ve heard so many stories about his as well, and it seems he made everyone feel special.”

With a father who has competed and won at the top levels of the sport, it was natural for Martine to try her hand at sailing. After a few youth events in the 420 class, she graduated to Olympic class sailing in the 470 class, ahead of the London Olympic Games, but couldn’t qualify for the regatta.

“After the disappointment of not qualifying for London, I decided to change classes to the 49er where I have stayed until today,” Grael said. “I have competed on the international circuit in the build-up to the Rio and Tokyo Olympic Games. These were great years – performing at all the test events and winning several podiums at the world championships.”

“After the gold medal in Rio me, and my 49er teammate Kahena Kunze, decieed that we needed a distraction. And since the 14-15 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, with the all-women Team SCA that made a big impression on me, I had been looking for an opportunity to move into offshore racing.”

In the very next edition of the event in 2017-2018, Martine got a chance as a crew member on Team AkzoNobel – and she became the first Brazilian woman to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race.

“That was a perfect way to re-charge, by facing a new challenge in one of the iconic events of our sport. I learned so much – not just about sailing but also about myself. The Ocean Race pushes you to find new limits. And after that I turned straight back into campaigning for what would become my second Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.”

At the age of 30, Martine Grael has the track record of being a true winner and has demonstrated the strength to deliver a top performance when it matters most across several disciplines of the sport of sailing. With a winning mindset and a caring approach, she is an inspiration to people of all ages in Brazil and across the world. Just like Mange, her ongoing dedication and love for the sport of sailing is helping to grow the sport and make a positive difference.

PETER BURLING (2020)

Peter Burling from Tauranga, New Zealand is by far the youngest winner of the prize. Despite his young age (29) Burling has an impressive CV with an Olympic gold and silver medal and nine World Championship titles to his name.

“It’s a great honor to be acknowledged by the Mange Olsson Memorial Foundation for this award. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet Magnus but his epic race in Ericsson 3 in the 2008-09 edition of the Ocean Race definitely inspired my Round the World path” says Burling.

As a leader, Burling continues to demonstrate his ability to skipper and manage successful world class teams in the sport of sailing. He was the 35th America's Cup champion helmsman with Emirates Team New Zealand in 2017 and watch captain and helmsman with Team Brunel in the 2017–18 edition of the Ocean Race, finishing 3 rd overall. He was named Male World Sailor of the Year at the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards in 2017. Burling and his 49er partner Blair Tuke also won the award in 2015 and were finalists in both 2014 and again in 2016.

As well as their accomplishments on the water in 2019 Burling and Tuke founded marine conservation charity Live Ocean which has a focus on restoration and protection of New Zealand’s ocean. The charity does this by accelerating and amplifying world-class marine science, innovation and public education.

2021 is shaping up to be another big year for Burling who is currently preparing to defend the America’s Cup on home waters in March with teammates Emirates Team New Zealand, quickly followed by the launch of his NZ SailGP team in April, and the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021.

CAROLIJN BROUWER (2019)

Like few other sailors, Carolijn Brouwer has showcased an ability to perform at top-level in several disciplines of the sport of sailing. In a sport historically dominated by men, Carolijn has pushed the boundaries and been a true pioneer showcasing how women can race competitively, and win, against men. Her outstanding track-record includes racing in three editions of The Ocean Race and competing in three Olympic Games. Carolijn was also awarded the World Sailor of the Year Award in 1998 and 2018.

Brouwer became one of the first females to win The Ocean Race – dubbed the ‘toughest test of a team in sport’ – when she competed in the 2017-18 edition of the event onboard Dongfeng Race Team.

The achievement was notable not just for making history, but for being part of an edition pioneering future pathways for female participation – every boat in the Race featured a mixed crew – and The Ocean Race is one of just a few global sporting events featuring world-class male and female athletes competing alongside each other on the same team.

Brouwer described winning The Ocean Race as ‘a dream come true’ and achieved her childhood goal at the third time of asking, having first been a crewmember of the all-female Amer Sports Too and Team SCA campaigns in 2001-02 and 2014-15. It was during her time as a key member of the SCA crew that Carolijn worked closely with Magnus, who was Team SCA’s coach at the time of his passing in 2013.

“It’s an honour to be awarded this prize and counted amongst sailing legends and The Ocean Race winners – it’s hugely inspirational,” said Carolijn.

“Myself and the whole Team SCA had a special connection with Mange – I think everyone who knew him would say the same thing – and the first thing everyone talks about is his smile. The endless smile that he had on his face, his love for sailing and life in general, and his determination to never give up was infectious.

“The lessons I learned from Mange have shaped me into the sailor and the person that I am today. His values will keep guiding me through the rest of my life. I have Mange to thank for the start of my offshore sailing, but also for the win in the last edition of The Ocean Race with Dongfeng.”

She added: “I know that Magnus would be hugely proud of me becoming one of the first women to win The Ocean Race – it’s thanks to him that I had that opportunity. Team SCA was the first all-female project in 12 years, and the mixed rule in the 2017-18 edition would never have happened if it wasn’t for the SCA campaign. Magnus played a key part in that, and there are many women in our sport that have him to thank for helping them to get to where they are now in their sailing careers.”

Carolijn is a true team-player with a genuine personality and high integrity. These attributes combined with her love of sailing contributes to her being one of the most admired and liked people in the sport of sailing. She is down-to-earth, devoted to her family and dedicated to sharing what the sport has given her.

Hailing from Leiden, the Netherlands, Brouwer is a three-time Olympian, having competed at the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Games – and has twice been named World Sailor of the Year, in 1998 and 2018.

GRANT DALTON (2018)

Dalton from Auckland New Zealand, is a leader who has showcased an ability to consistently skipper and manage successful world class teams in the sport of sailing.

In the same way as Magnus, Grant shares a lifelong passion and strong connection with ocean racing and his outstanding track-record includes victories in the Whitbread (Volvo Ocean Race), The Race as well as the America’s Cup.

His personality, focus, resilience and love of sailing have led to him being one of the most successful leaders in the sport of sailing. And this was further underlined by Team New Zealand’s superb America’s Cup win in 2017.

“It is an honour to receive this great award in Manges’ name. He was a true legend of the sea and brought such unique colour to the sport of sailing. His passion for sailing and life itself was infectious and over the 20 years I knew him it was hard not to be influenced by him.

“My memory of Magnus will be similar to many, many people - that huge laugh and smile, always funny, always ready for a chat and a story as well as a bit of banter about the next coming leg of the Whitbread, and then Volvo Ocean Race.

“The fantastic part of the award is the opportunity to mentor some young up and coming sailors, which is something that no doubt I will get as much out of as they will from me. Sailing is a sport that offers so much, and it really is a privilege to impress this onto the next generation in Manges’ name.” Comments Grant Dalton

Grant Dalton first started sailing at the age of eight and has raced around the world seven times - six times in the Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Race which he won twice, and the seventh lap as the winning skipper of the maxi catamaran Club Med in The Race. A keen motorcyclist, he has competed in the Isle of Man’s Classic TT and GP races, in 2003 he was brought in to revitalise New Zealand’s campaign for the 2007 America’s Cup. He has been an instrumental leader in all subsequent challenges, including the magnificent Emirates Team New Zealand victory in the 2017 America’s Cup.

SANTIAGO LANGE (2017)

Santiago “Santi” Lange, the Argentinian sailor and Olympic Gold medallist, has been awarded the 2017 Magnus 'Mange' Olsson Prize. The 55-year old sailor won the gold medal in the Nacra 17 class in Rio 2016.
His passion for the sport, the sea, his wish to continue to learn and improve, and the constant smile on his face are reminiscent of Magnus.

"This prize was a major surprise and I am deeply honoured. I have the deepest respect for Magnus, and for the previous winners. I feel humbled to be part of such a group of legendary sailors."

Santiago Lange is a fervent role-model for the sport of sailing. He has achieved remarkable success and demonstrated how you can turn adversity into a success through determination and courage. With a sharp and intuitive mind and a warm approach, he is an inspiration to sailors of all ages across the world. As a team player, Santiago is highly respected and, in the same way as Magnus, is able to lift team spirit when it is most needed.

"I met Magnus a few times, especially during Volvo Ocean Race 2008–2009 when he was skipper on Ericsson 3 and I sailed on Telefonica Black. I remember him as a person that loved his sport and loved the sea, and always had a big smile on his face! Iit was fantastic what he did with Ericsson and his team of young inexperienced sailors", says Santiago Lange.

Alongide Lange’s gold medal from the Rio 2016 Olympics, his track record includes bronze medals from the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games and eight medals from World Championships in Tornado, Snipe and Nacra 17. He has also raced in the Volvo Ocean Race and the America´s Cup and last year was awarded the World Sailor of the Year. He is currently a team member of Artemis Racing Team in America’s Cup.

"My next big goal is the Olympics in Tokyo 2020. I will by 59 years old. I´m not sure I will make it – but it’s my dream! My Olympic gold team-mate, Cecilia Carranza Saroli will try again but in the next Olympic Nacra will be foiling – so now we must learn to foil", says Santiago Lange.

Stan Honey (2016)

The American sailor and navigator, Stan Honey, has been awarded the 2016 Magnus 'Mange' Olsson Prize. As a navigator Stan Honey achieved tremendous success and holds a unique position in the sailing world.  But above all, as a positive person and great team player much appreciated by everyone, he is not unlike Magnus Olsson.

Honey’s track record includes a victory in the Volvo Ocean Race and eleven wins in Transpac races across the Pacific Ocean.  As navigator he holds the speed record for sailing around the World, and across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

- I was stunned when I heard about the Magnus Olsson Prize. Mange, Torben, and Ben are three of the sailors that I most look up to.  I have had the pleasure of racing with Torben and Ben, and racing against Mange, and feel honoured to be mentioned on the same page as all of them, comments Stan Honey and continues:

- Mange was unique in the sport and would light up any room with his smile and contagious laughter. I only sailed against him a few times but he made me feel like on old friend and always had time to chat and joke. 

However, Honey is not just a successful sailor and navigator with an impressive CV. The 61-year-old engineer has honours and masters degrees from Yale and Stanford universities, respectively, and he has won three Emmy Awards for his work in visualising sport on TV.

- Stan really is a world-class sailor. As a navigator he was the decisive influence behind some big victories. And, like Mange, he had the ability to lift the team beyond their own expectations, says Carl-Henric Svanberg, Chairman of the Magnus Olsson Memorial Foundation.

BEN AINSLIE (2015)

British sailor Ben Ainslie has been awarded the Magnus 'Mange' Olsson Prize for his long and successful career in sailing. Ainslie, one of the best sailors ever, will be the second international sailor to receive the Prize, which will be awarded at a Ceremony in Gothenburg on June 26.

Magnus was a sailor who everyone looked up to and admired. His reputation was as a true great of the sport who embodied an amazing spirit for sailing. I am very honoured to receive this award and to help work with the Magnus Olsson Memorial Foundation to support and encourage the next generation of young sailors, says Ben Ainslie.

Sir Charles Benedict "Ben" Ainslie was born February 5, 1977 in Macclesfield, UK. His track record in different dinghy classes is impressive. Ainslie is the most successful sailor in Olympics after reaching the podium at five consecutive Olympic Games from 1996-2012. In 1996 he won the silver medal in Laser and at the following four Games he won the gold medal. Following his gold medal in the Laser class at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, he then changed to the Finn class and took three consecutive gold medals in the Olympics 2004-2012. He has won gold at six World Cups in the Finn and four World Cup medals in the Laser.

Ainslie is the only person who has been awarded ISAF World Sailor of the Year four times and in 2010 he finished in first place in the World Match Racing Tour. In September 2013 he joined as a tactician during an Oracle practice session and the following day, he replaced John Kostecki going into race six of the 2013 Americas Cup. Oracle Team USA defended the America's Cup by a score of 9 to 8 against New Zealand. Now stepping into a new role, as Skipper and Team Principal of Ben Ainslie Racing, Ben will develop and lead a British entry into the 35th America’s Cup, with the aim of bringing the Cup back to Britain where it all began in 1851.

Sir Ben Ainslie is a true champion. His ongoing dedication and love of the sport of sailing helps to grow the sport and makes a positive difference for many young people. It will be an honor to welcome him to Gothenburg, says Carl-Henric Svanberg, Chairman of the Magnus Olsson Memorial Foundation.

Torben Grael (2014)

The inaugural winner of the award is Torben Grael - one of the world's most accomplished sailors.

This year’s international winner, Torben Grael (BRA), is 53 years old and has won five Olympic medals (Gold Athens 2004, Gold Atlanta 1996, Silver Los Angeles 1984, Bronze Sydney 2000 and Bronze Seoul 1988). He won the 2008/09 Volvo Ocean Race as skipper of Ericsson 4 and he has also won with Prada Luna Rossa the Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Series for the America's Cup).