Swiss skipper Oliver Heer confirms 2028 Vendée Globe ambition with second IMOCA campaign
by Oliver Heer Ocean Racing 3 Jul 20:18 NZST
Oliver Heer at the finish of the 2024 Vendée Globe © Jean-Louis Carli / Alea
After completing the Vendée Globe 2024 on his first attempt, Oliver Heer, the Swiss-German skipper of Tut gut Sailing, has confirmed his intention to return for the 2028 edition of the legendary solo race.
Heer, who finished 29th in 99 days, is one of the race's quiet success stories. A newcomer to the IMOCA class, he completed the 'Everest of The Seas' on his first attempt, becoming the first Swiss-German sailor to do so and earning the respect of many by racing conservatively but consistently, and completing the circumnavigation without incurring any major damage.
"Our 2024 goal was always to finish the Vendée Globe. Our 2028 goal is to compete at a new level," Heer explains. "The first campaign gave us experience and confidence. Now we want to grow into a faster, stronger and more competitive team."
His team, diverse in nationality but united in values, is working to acquire a foiling IMOCA and prepare a more performance-oriented campaign to include the fully crewed Ocean Race in 2027.
They plan to continue racing with purpose, extending their sustainability and science partnerships, including their collaboration with the Swiss Polar Institute, which has enabled offshore ocean data collection for climate researchers.
The team has launched its second campaign under the banner #HeerWeGoAgain and is actively seeking new partners and sponsors to fulfil these bold ambitions.
"We know the Vendée Globe starts and finishes in France, but it is fast becoming a truly global race," says Heer. "The welcome I received in France was incredible. We hope to continue contributing to this amazing sporting story."