Skip to main content
Time to race start
00 days
:
00 hrs
:
00 min
:
00 sec

From Brutal Bass Strait to Champagne Sailing: No Limit Skipper Savours a Hard-Earned Finish

Home 2025 From Brutal Bass Strait to Champagne Sailing: No Limit Skipper Savours a Hard-Earned Finish

Article Image

Skipper David Gotze finally pulled his boat into Hobart with a smile that mixed relief, fatigue and a hint of humour after No Limit’s long passage south.

news
—

Time & Date: 29/12/2025 – 1615 (75.2 hours after the start)      

“Finally — too long,” Gotze laughed when asked about the race, before quickly conceding it had delivered just about everything offshore sailing can throw at a crew. 

A speedy No Limit - ROLEX/Andrea Francolini pic.

The opening stages were the hardest to stomach. The first 36 hours, particularly through Bass Strait, were, in his words, “truly horrendous” — a relentless stretch of confused seas and constant slamming that left the crew battered and searching for rhythm. 

“They weren’t quite our conditions,” Gotze said. “It was tough going the whole way.” 

Relief came once the fleet reached the east coast, where conditions transformed into what sailors dream about. With the sea state settling and the boat stretching its legs, No Limit enjoyed what Gotze described as “terrific champagne sailing” — the kind of glamorous run that almost makes crews forget the pain that comes before it. 

But the race wasn’t done yet. On reaching Storm Bay, the breeze vanished. Progress slowed to a crawl as the boat traced lazy circles on the water. 

The iconic Organ Pipes - ROLEX/Andrea Francolini pic.

“It stopped,” Gotze said. “We did a few circles — we could have done some fishing.” 

Despite the drawn-out finish, the boat itself came through unscathed. “The boat went well, no damage,” he said, noting only the Rolex flag had suffered along the way. 

With the hardest miles behind him, Gotze admitted there was only one thing on his mind before committing to another offshore epic. 

“A beer first before I tackle another one,” he said. 

And a return? That depended on how many were poured. 

“Give me a beer and I’ll think about it,” Gotze laughed. “After two beers, I’ll definitely do another one.” 

Steve Dettre/RSHYR media