Oliver Heer
Professional sailor
Oliver Heer, né le 10 mai 1988, a grandi au bord du lac de Zurich. Dès son plus jeune âge, il passait chaque minute de son temps libre sur l'eau et participait à des compétitions nationales. Ce qui avait commencé comme une passion s'est peu à peu transformé en un objectif clair.
Après ses études d'économie internationale à Taïwan – où il a navigué pour la première fois sur de grands voiliers à quille –, il a pris conscience que son parcours ne serait pas celui d'une carrière classique en entreprise. Suite au décès prématuré de son père, il a décidé de réaliser son rêve et de devenir navigateur professionnel.
He moved to the south coast of England, qualified as an Ocean Yachtmaster and took on the role of skipper. Until 2014, he captained various 40–60-foot yachts and gained international regatta experience. What set him apart was not just talent – but discipline, preparation and perseverance.
In 2018, Oliver joined Alex Thomson’s team aboard the IMOCA 60 HUGO BOSS. Shortly afterwards, he took on overall responsibility for the boat as skipper. His debut in the IMOCA Globe Series followed in 2021 at the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Over 50,000 nautical miles on IMOCA yachts meant:
- Technical precision under extreme conditions
- Strategic thinking over the course of weeks
- Physical exertion pushed to the limit
- Mental stability despite isolation
The Vendée Globe – the legendary solo round-the-world sailing race
The “Vendée Globe” is an extreme solo sailing race and is regarded as one of the toughest sailing challenges in the world, often nicknamed the “Everest of the Seas”. The skippers (captains of a sailing boat) must sail almost 50,000 kilometres whilst circumnavigating the globe. The race is sailed alone, non-stop and without any external help or support. Taking part requires courage, endurance, resilience and passion.
Three months of isolation. Interval sleep management. Constant vigilance. Extreme weather conditions – from tropical heat to Antarctic cold.
In 2024, Oliver Heer became the first German-speaking Swiss sailor to successfully complete this regatta – with Burgerstein Vitamins as the title sponsor under the name “Tut gut.” Oliver Heer’s sail bore the two simple words: “Tut gut.” What appears to be a simple slogan is, in reality, an expression of a shared mindset.
Find out more about the partnership now.
More than just sport – a metaphor for everyday life
The themes of a round-the-world sailing voyage are universal:
- Preparation
- Strategy
- Resilience
- Dealing with setbacks
- Taking responsibility for one’s own performance
These questions arise not only on the high seas – but also in professional life, in leadership roles and in everyday family life. With this partnership, Burgerstein is not primarily targeting sailing enthusiasts, but health-conscious, performance-oriented people who know that: endurance requires substance. Resilience requires a foundation. Success requires health.
Three conversations about health, challenges and shared values
What keeps us going when it really matters? In a three-part series of conversations, professional sailors Oliver Heer and Tanja Zimmermann-Burgerstein discuss health as the foundation for performance, trust and responsibility – on the ocean, in professional life and in everyday life. Discover the stories behind a partnership based on shared values.
Moving forward together into the next stage
With the next Vendée Globe in 2027, the partnership is entering a new phase – more experienced, more thoughtful and with a clear focus. Health remains the foundation. Sailing remains the context. And ‘Does you good’ remains the promise.
Canoeing and the High Seas: A Conversation with Franziska Widmer and Oliver Heer
Franziska Widmer and Oliver Heer share a passion for water sports, yet their approaches could not be more different. Whilst Widmer enjoys the tranquillity of canoeing, Heer navigates the challenges of sailing on the high seas. In this interview, they share their unique experiences and the fascination they feel for the water.
What a round-the-world sailing trip teaches us.
It is one of the greatest physical and mental challenges there is. Oliver shares his insights, which are also fascinating for everyday life.
A basic multivitamin and mineral supplement for athletes.