Bjorn Hansen
Did you have any sporting heroes when you were growing up? Christer Abrahamsson, a legendary Swedish hockey goalkeeper.
Is there any other athlete you would like to be? I got this question 15-20 years ago and I remember I said I wanted to be the best matchracing helmsman in the world who, at that that time was Russel Coutts. Today we are not too far away from that, but if I would have to do the choice again I would like to be the best decathlon athlete in the world.
If not a sailor, what would you have become? I would probably work with what I’m educated to do. Something within the technical branch of the shipping industry.
Career highlight? Tat was when we won Match Cup Sweden 2007 as the first Scandinavian crew to win the event. Te rain was pouring down and the worst wind was measured to 42 knots during the final series. Also the final in Marstrand 2011 was memorable with tens of thousands of people as spectator making the feeling as sailing in a huge arena.
… and the worst moment? Being kicked out in the quarter-finals in Monsoon Cup 2011 and, by that, missing the chance to take a medal on the 2011 Tour.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Who gave it? A happy boat is a fast boat. Said by my mentor Gutta Johansson, who brought me into keel boat racing on the happiest boat in Sweden.
What is your training regime like? As we are from different parts of Sweden and Scandinavia we try to make a couple of training camps with the team to prepare. In addition, all team members do their own physicals and also some other sailing.
If your house was burning down, what is the one possession would you save? My passport and my grandfather’s sextant which he used when sailing around the world on the windjammers.
Do you have a favourite karaoke song? No, not really.
Last film you saw? Te Girl With Te Dragon Tattoo.
Your three favourite films? Favourite films are the Bourne trilogy and the Arn trilogy.
Is there a song, book or a movie that would describe you best? Not that I can think of.
Your favourite food? I love Italian food.
Your favourite holiday destination? Bockskär, a fantastic island in the northern part of the Åland archipelago.
If you can master a new language or a new skill overnight, what will it be? Tat would be playing the guitar and speak Finnish (which should be good as I have Finnish citizenship).
What are the types of people you enjoy? I enjoy the company of calm and interesting people.
What do you want people to remember you for? Winning the Alpari World Match Racing Tour 2012!
Tell us something we don’t know about yourself... Work extra as mathematics and chemistry teacher.
MATCH RACING 360° | page 33 | March 2012
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