Ollie Heer Makes Swiss-German History in the Vendée Globe
Swiss-German sailor Oliver Heer has etched his name into the history books of offshore sailing by completing the Vendée Globe on his first attempt.
Known as the "Everest of the Seas," this is the world’s most extreme solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world yacht race, testing the limits of endurance, courage, and technical skills.
On Monday, February 17, 2025, after an exhausting 99 days, 5 hours, 27 minutes, and 34 seconds at sea, Ollie crossed the finish line in 29th place, fulfilling his personal ambitions and simultaneously making history as the first-ever Swiss-German sailor to complete the Vendée Globe.
A Magical Finish
Ollie's finish was one of the most dramatic in the race, as he neared the finish line int he late afternoon, Ollie faced one last test: the calm, glassy seas of the Bay of Biscay. In the last 200 miles the winds steadily died, and just 3 miles from the finish line Ollie was completely becalmed. He joked;
"I started to wonder if the finish line was an illusion, I wasn't sure I'd ever get there!"
But a little puff of wind carried Ollie over the line, surrounded by a mini flotilla of supporters, with dolphins leaping with a backdrop of a stunning sunset.
As the sky darkened Ollie stood proudly on the bow of his faithful Tut gut IMOCA yacht, holding tow brightly glowing flares.
Hundreds of supporters turned up to welcome Ollie home, lining the channel and eagerly awaiting his arrival on the pontoon amid a clamour of cow-bells echoing around the marina.
A Dream Come True
Reflecting on his extraordinary journey, Ollie couldn’t hide his emotion:
“Wow – taking part in this race has been a childhood dream – I can’t believe I’ve done it! The send-off 99 days ago was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life, but finishing today has been unreal! I am so happy and so proud of everything we’ve achieved.”
One Goal: Finish the Race
With limited resources, a small team, and one of the oldest daggerboard boats in the fleet, Ollie’s mission was simple yet monumental: to finish. Before the race began, he acknowledged the daunting challenge ahead:
“This race is not easy. Only 114 people have ever finished it, just over half of those who started. My objective for the 2024 edition is to add my name to the list of finishers and inspire a new generation of Swiss-Germans into offshore sailing.”
Throughout the race, Ollie remained focused on this singular goal. His experience sailing around the world during the qualification phase helped him to refine a critical philosophy: balancing performance with safety. By making conservative decisions—avoiding the most violent storms and preventing strain on his boat—he ensured that both he and his vessel would survive the gruelling race.
Storms, Setbacks, and Sheer Determination
As any Vendée Globe sailor will tell you, the journey is never easy. Early in the race, Ollie faced a major challenge when his engine bay flooded, jeopardising his power supply. Despite the threat of abandonment, he refused to give up. Using his ingenuity, Ollie rigged a manual-pulley system to restore the engine and keep his onboard systems functioning.
Things didn’t get any easier. In December, a malfunction with the keel system left Ollie unable to cant the keel on port tack, affecting his performance for the remainder of the race. He also faced sail damage—most notably the unexpected destruction of his masthead gennaker during light winds. In total darkness, he spent hours hauling the sail back on board, only to find it irreparably torn.
In an environment where even the slightest mishap can lead to catastrophe, Ollie’s resourcefulness and mental resilience kept him on track.
Wind Holes & Mental Battles
While fierce storms battered Ollie’s resolve, the dreaded wind holes became his true nemesis. At the start of the new year, Ollie entered what was supposed to be a brief 12-24 hour transition zone. But instead, he found himself trapped for nearly six excruciating days in a light wind hole that saw his rivals pull further and further ahead.
“Contrary to popular belief, sailing in light wind is just as stressful—if not more—than heavy winds,” Ollie said. “You have to stay completely focused to keep the boat moving. There’s no rest. This was by far the toughest mental challenge of the race.”
Wind holes again hindered Ollie's progress up the Atlantic and most agonisingly of all at the finish.
"There I was, approaching the line with zero wind. There were hundreds or maybe thousands of people watching me and I couldn't do anything. It was quite a stressful finish!"
Celebrations & Iconic Milestones
The Vendée Globe is not just about hardship. It’s also about the unforgettable milestones and moments that make the race iconic. Each time Ollie crossed the equator, he performed a traditional toast to Neptune, acknowledging the sea’s power and seeking safe passage. Rounding each of the world’s three great capes—Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Cape Horn—were massive psychological and geographic triumphs.
When he rounded Cape Horn, he shared a heartwarming radio exchange with a Chilean lighthouse keeper and became part of the Cape Horners Association, founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to solo-circumnavigate non-stop in 1969.
“Sailing around Cape Horn is like conquering Mount Everest for sailors. It was an incredible moment. Although the race was far from over, I knew I was on the home stretch,”
And of course, the finish is a celebration like no other. Thousands tuned in to watch the live coverage or celebrate in person in the race village at Les Sables d'Olonne.
A Legacy of Determination
Fewer than 150 people in history have completed the Vendée Globe, and Ollie is the 217th to complete a full non-stop, circumnavigation via Cape Horn.
This achievement is not just a personal victory—it is a testament to Ollie's mental and physical strength and determination. As he reflects on his journey, Ollie shared his awe for the Southern Ocean, where he encountered an iceberg as well as awe-inspiring wildlife, including massive whales and majestic albatrosses.
“Everything is bigger in the Southern Ocean—the waves, the wind, even the wildlife. I could sit and watch the albatrosses for hours.”
What’s Next?
Despite the challenges, Ollie’s passion more alive than ever.
“Now I have a lot of media obligations and guest speaking events, followed by a short holiday with my wife! Then, I’m straight into developing my plans for the 2025-2029 cycle. One thing’s for sure—I can’t wait to get back out there again!”
Ollie Heer has proven that with passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the dream, anything is possible. His place in Vendée Globe history is now secure— and the next chapter in his extraordinary sailing journey is just beginning.
Key Milestones
Start: 10th November 2024
Equator 1: 2:20am Sunday 24th November (day 15)
Cape of Good Hope: 27 Days, 2h 30min (6th December)
Cape Leeuwin: Day 41 (20th Dec)
Anti-meridian: Day 50: (Sunday 29th Dec)
Point Nemo: Day 61 (9th January)
Cape Horn: Day 66 Tuesday 14th January
Equator 2: Day 85. Sunday 2nd Feb
Finish: Day 99. Monday 17th February
Bravo!!