Episode #164: Morgan Larson on Returning to the Glory Days of Racing

This week we chat with Morgan Larson about nostalgia and dreams in the world of racing. Morgan is a decorated racer who has competed in almost every racing class imaginable, including being a World Champion in the TP 52, 505, and Farr 40, and a North American Champion in the 49er class.

Tune in as Morgan chats with Good Jibes host John Arndt about his biggest sailing inspirations growing up, how to make the jump to becoming a professional sailor, his favorite boat classes, the biggest ways racing has changed over the years, and what we can do to make racing more appealing for the next generation of sailors.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll hear in this episode: 

• How a nap caused a lot of panic
• The younger generation of sailors
• Finding mentorship in Santa Cruz
• What it takes to be a professional sailor
• Why aren’t people shipping out boats to race anymore?
• Two sailing book recommendations 

Learn more about Morgan on Instagram @MorganLarson8.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots — follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

• Morgan Larson on Returning to the Glory Days of Racing
  • [0:49] Introducing Morgan Larson … Is he actually from Capitola?
  • [1:14] He’s won the 49er World Championship, Extreme Sailing Series World Championship
  • [2:44] Early sailing inspiration from his father involvement with Merlin
  • [3:43] How Morgan’s nap created a huge panic
  • [6:01] What were his early days of sailing like?
  • [8:54] “Figure It Out” sailing school
  • [9:24] Finding mentorship in Santa Cruz
  • [12:18] Bring home a copy of Latitude 38!
  • Professional Sailing
  • [12:48] When did Morgan start seeing himself as a professional sailor?
  • [14:15] How the University of Hawaii helped him grow as a sailor
  • [16:01] What are the secrets to the success in the Transpac 52 (TP 52)?
  • [17:37] Has the class gotten more competitive? 
  • [18:35] How choreographed are you on every job?
  • [20:12] What makes that such a formative class and or place to be successful and move on from?
  • [23:19] Where are all these 20 and 30-year-olds coming from?
  • [25:41] Do you have a preference between monohulls & multihulls?
  • [28:35] Has Morgan done any offshore racing?
  • [29:04] Thinking about personal goals and legacy
  • [32:15] What kind of sailing do you do in your free time?
  • [33:51] What’s changed over the years in pro sailing?
  • [37:44] What connected you to sailing so much?
  • [38:09] What is the powerful component maybe that makes these like-minded people collect around sailing?
  • [40:34] What’s coming up on Morgan’s schedule?
  • [41:58] The impact of COVID-19 on his plans
  • [44:23] Check out the Latitude 38 Classifieds at Latitude38.com
  • Short Tacks
  • [45:21] Favorite sailboat make or model?
  • [45:49] Longest passage just offshore? 
  • [47:09] Advice for folks who want to get into professional sailing
  • [48:07] Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing, Black Sails White Rabbits by Kevin A. Hall
  • [49:34] Anything you want to add or ask?
  • [50:03] Why doesn’t the big boat class exist anymore?
  • Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • Check out the November 2024 issue of Latitude 38
  • Theme Song: “Pineapple Dream” by Solxis