EP50. The beauty of sailing! Oliver Heer - Offshore Sailor, Oliver Heer Ocean Racing

Hollie welcomes Oliver Heer, an IMOCA sailor with a uniquely technical and international background, who took the road less traveled into solo ocean racing. Unlike many who come through the traditional Mini Transat or Figaro pathways, Ollie’s journey was shaped by working alongside legends like Alex Thomson and a deep technical understanding of the sport.

In this episode, Ollie opens up about running one of the leanest Vendée Globe campaigns in 2024, a shoestring operation with just two full-time team members and support from friends, family, and freelancers. He shares the daily challenges of balancing tight budgets, international team dynamics, and sponsor expectations, all while pushing performance in one of the toughest offshore races.

We dive into the highs and lows on the water, from the dramatic start of the Route du Rhum 2022 to the heart-stopping moments of the Transat CIC 2024, including battling blackout conditions and freezing fog on his birthday. Ollie also reveals the mental resilience techniques that helped him navigate adversity offshore, including the power of radical acceptance.

Looking ahead, Ollie is already planning his second Vendée Globe campaign, aiming to upgrade to a foiling design, possibly base the team in the UK, and secure bigger sponsorship to compete at a higher level. He explains the commercial realities behind running a competitive IMOCA campaign and invites potential partners to join this ambitious journey.

Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast, a marine industry professional, or simply fascinated by stories of grit and determination, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.