Grant Dalton wins Magnus Olsson Prize

Grant Dalton

(June 21, 2018) – The Mange Olsson Foundation has revealed Grant Dalton (NZL) as the 2018 winner of its prestigious award. The Magnus Olsson Prize is given annually to an individual who has made an indelible contribution to the world of sailing.

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 Emirates 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 banterabout 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.”

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.

The Magnus Olsson Prize and the Scholarship Awards will be presented at a ceremony in Stockholm in early September.

Magnus Olsson. © Rick Tomlinson

The award is given annually to an individual who has made an indelible contribution to the world of sailing, preferably with Magnus Olsson’s inimitable spirit and enthusiasm. The inaugural winner of the award was Torben Grael in 2014, followed by Ben Ainslie (2015), Stan Honey (2016), and Santiago Lange (2017).

Background:
The Mange Olsson Memorial Fund was created to continue the essence of enthusiasm, passion, and determination that Mange brought to the sport of sailing. In the spirit of Mange Olsson, the Foundation will inspire and support young sailors in Sweden, as well as reward international sailors who develop our sport at both a human and a competitive level. The Foundation will also enable a network for young sailors to exchange experiences with the more established sailors. The Foundation is financially supported by companies and individuals who wish to ensure that the values that Mange embodied, continue to live on.