Sailing: Magnus Olsson dies in Spain, age 64

Magnus Olsson has died in Spain after suffering a stroke at the age of 64 (Oskar Kihlborg)

Magnus Olsson has died in Spain after suffering a stroke at the age of 64. He had previously survived two heart attacks, which are not thought to be connected to the stroke.

He was a central figure in the history of the Volvo round the world race and was leading the management and coaching of a Swedish-flagged all-woman team, SCA, at its Lanzarote base for the race which starts in Alicante next October.

Olsson, Swedish and also known as Mange, was even better known for his huge smile, indomitable sense of fun and humour, and his sheer professionalism and talent in the world of offshore sailing.

“It is with great sadness that I received the news of Magnus passing away,” said Knut Frostad, ceo of the Volvo Ocean Race. “He was my mentor when I sailed round the world with him 20 years ago. He was the inspiration for me and for so many more. The sailing world will never be the same without Magnus and his smile.”