In 1996, Dave Elcock skippered the largest South African yacht in the Cape2Rio.

30 years on Dave has now decided it’s time to embark on the iconic journey once again. Now in his 60s, Dave is preparing to take on the 2025 Cape to Rio race as skipper of Solitaire. The allure of the Cape to Rio race – with its well organised structure, exciting downwind conditions, and the Rio festivities upon completion – was impossible to resist.

Dave Elcock has had a lifetime of sailing adventures and has been a member of the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) for 48 years. Starting his journey on dinghies at the age of 9, Dave transitioned to keelboats in 1969. By 1981, he had embarked on a professional yachting career, managing maxi yachts and handling deliveries. He managed Solitaire from 1983 until he purchased it in 1992. Solitaire has earned accolades in many races, including two Mauritius and two St. Helena races, placing on the podium in all four events.

Dave’s illustrious sailing career includes six Atlantic races. He crewed on Storm Kaap in 1979 and co-skippered Humber Express in 1982 in the Cape to Uruguay Race. Then raced in the 1993, 1996 (skipper), 2000 (skipper) and 2017 (skipper) Cape to Rio races.