Oliver Heer Ocean Racing – Une mission IMOCA suisse
Un tour du monde à la voile ne commence pas avec le coup d'envoi. Il commence par une décision. La décision de mettre en place un projet qui allie sport, technologie et durabilité – et qui propulse la Suisse sur la plus grande scène de la voile hauturière. Oliver Heer Ocean Racing est plus qu'une simple participation au Vendée Globe. Il s'agit d'une campagne IMOCA à long terme avec une mission claire.
The mission of Oliver Heer Ocean Racing
The goal is ambitious: to be internationally competitive in the IMOCA class, the premier category of offshore sailing. But the campaign is not limited to sporting results. It combines:
- top-level sailing
- technical innovation
- scientific collaboration
- environmental responsibility
The boat is at once a racing machine, a research platform and a laboratory for innovation.
The Vendée Globe: a major milestone
By successfully competing in the 2025 Vendée Globe, Oliver Heer has made his mark on the history of Swiss sailing. Around 50,000 kilometres non-stop, alone, without outside assistance. This round-the-world sailing race was not only a sporting success; it proved that a Swiss IMOCA campaign could compete at the very highest international level.
Technology and sustainability
Oliver Heer Ocean Racing pursues a clear sustainability strategy based on three pillars:
- Reducing the carbon footprint
- Continuous optimisation of logistics, material use and the campaign structure.
- Collection of scientific data at sea
- During training sessions and offshore races, environmental parameters such as CO₂ levels, salinity, chlorophyll and water temperature are measured. The data is incorporated into international climate models.
- The boat as a platform for innovation
- Industrial and academic partners use the IMOCA boat as a test bed for renewable energy and new technologies under extreme conditions.
The oceans are not just a racing circuit; they are also our planet’s habitat and early warning system.
Oliver Heer – the man behind the project
From Lake Zurich to the IMOCA class. Oliver Heer is synonymous with perseverance, technical expertise and strategic thinking.
His career:
- international offshore regattas
- technical lead within the Hugo Boss IMOCA team
- over 50,000 nautical miles of experience
- the successful 2025 Vendée Globe
The campaign is not a short-term venture. It is the result of years of preparatory work.
‘Tut gut.’ – The mindset behind the mission
When Oliver Heer set sail in the Vendée Globe, his boat bore two words: ‘Tut gut. ’ (That feels good.) They symbolise the belief that long-term performance requires a stable foundation, both physically and mentally. Here we explain why these two words have shaped the campaign and why health is at the heart of the mission: ‘Tut gut.’ – Why health is the foundation.
Outlook for 2025–2029
The next phase of the campaign builds on experience and continuous development:
- Development of the technical platform
- Participation in IMOCA races and international offshore events
- Development of scientific collaborations
- Strengthening Switzerland’s presence at sea
The long-term goal: a sustainable and competitive Swiss IMOCA team. Visit the official website of the Oliver Heer Ocean Racing IMOCA team.
