Oliver Heer: “The boat knows the way; I just need to make the right choices.”
by worldmarine.media 3 Nov 08:32 PST
Ambre Hasson and Oliver Heer © Mikael Ryking
Ambre Hasson interviewed Oliver Heer, the Swiss captain of Tut gut, discussing his life before becoming a professional sailor, his motivation to leave the office for life on the water, and how he connected with Alex Thompson, which facilitated his entry into IMOCA sailing.
He emphasized the crucial nature of preparation for the Vendée Globe and stressed that making the right choices before the race, no matter your financial constraints, is vital.
He faced challenges leading up to the race, including the loss of his mast and an onboard electronics malfunction that forced him to navigate ‘the old way’, using manual steering and paper navigational charts. Oliver has maximized these experiences as opportunities to learn.
Securing the appropriate boat is a significant factor in any Vendée campaign, and Oliver shares how he acquired his IMOCA yacht and the modifications made since his purchase in 2021, such as raising the coach roof to accommodate his nearly two-meter height!
Lastly, Oliver discusses the necessity of finding moments to unwind during the race, if only for 30 minutes, along with the challenges of cooking and maintaining adequate caloric intake. Both tasks are understandably tough on a boat subject to waves while sailing at speeds of up to 30 knots, and he vividly portrays the difficulties associated with sleep deprivation.
He concludes with, “If anyone aspires to participate in the Vendée Globe, then certainly pursue that dream.”
