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Aksel Magdahl on professional sailing in the time of corona.

May 1, 2020 · 24 min · 177 views

What this video covers

Professional navigator Aksel Magdahl discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international professional sailing, noting the cancellation of major regattas and the resulting shift toward family time and home-based work.0:19 Magdahl details his recent involvement in the Swan 50 class, where he focuses on early-season training and calibration, and his experience racing the J-class yacht *Lionheart*.1:12 He recounts a recent collision between two J-class boats during the Antigua Superyacht Challenge, emphasizing the high level of professional competition in the class.2:59

Magdahl also reflects on his career as a navigator, specifically his breakthrough with the *Ericsson* team during the Volvo Ocean Race and the subsequent evolution of the Volvo Open 70 class.13:44 He notes that while these older boats remain competitive in offshore events like the Fastnet and Caribbean 600, they struggle with handicap ratings in light-wind conditions.16:12 Regarding the future of offshore racing, he discusses the transition of the Ocean Race toward the IMOCA 60 class and the logistical challenges of maintaining high-budget, custom-built racing programs.18:04

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Boats in this video

Swan 50 MSReviewed

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