In 2024, Dave Elcock reconnected with long-time friend and fellow sailor, Michelle Grundy, whom he had first met 30 years prior during the 1996 Cape to Rio race, in which he was the skipper of the largest South African yacht and she was the skipper of the smallest yacht in the fleet.

The duo decided it was time to embark on the iconic journey once again. Now in their 60s, Dave and Michelle are preparing to take on the 2025 Cape to Rio race as co-skippers aboard Solitaire. The allure of the Cape to Rio race – with its well-organized structure, exciting downwind conditions, and the Rio festivities upon completion – was impossible to resist.

After the 1996 Cape to Rio, Michelle went on to race in Antigua Race Week and Cowes Race Week before starting a family and consequently stopped sailing for 20 years until last year.

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.

Beyond sailing, Dave and Michelle are committed to making a difference. Dave was born with cerebral palsy and has led an exceptional life despite the challenges he has had to face. Through their participation in the Cape to Rio 2025, they aim to raise awareness and sponsorship funds for children with cerebral palsy, by sharing Dave’s inspiring story of perseverance and achievement. The proceeds will benefit Vista Nova School.