Swiss Re and Convex quartet set out to row the Pacific for mental health awareness

An intrepid team of reinsurance professionals including Swiss Re’s continental Europe head of P&C structured solutions Cameron Parker and Convex’s head of investments Theresa (Tia) Patricios have begun a 40+ day row across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii to raise money for mental health charity Mind.

The Pacific Discovery quartet – which also includes Swiss Re chapter lead Stuart Thompson and iptiQ software engineer Andrei Celovschi (Celo) – have already received strong support from within the industry as the first reinsurance team to enter Atlantic Campaigns’ inaugural World’s Toughest Row – Pacific.

Among the official industry sponsors for the 2,800-mile rowing challenge are Convex and its executive chairman Stephen Catlin; Swiss Re and its CEO Christian Mumenthaler; Gallagher Re and its former CEO James Kent; and Aon, championed by Dominic Christian, global chairman of its Reinsurance Solutions business.

The rowing team are also backed up by a ground crew that includes iptiQ vice president Mary Ervin on sponsorship, Swiss Re internal comms specialist Joy Maurer, photographer and “brand champion” Penny Bird, as well as team performance coach and “cheerleader” Caroline Sharley.

The Pacific race began Monday (12 June) with 14 teams departing the historic harbour of Monterey, California for Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Hawaii.

Parker – an experienced rower and adventurer who took part in the Atlantic Challenge in 2018 – said: “It’s been a long dream of mine to build a team and go and do the impossible and be backed by the industry. It’s about getting to the finishing line in one piece.”

Speaking to this publication ahead of the race, he added: “We’ve got some amazing partners that are really supporting the cause which will be challenging both physically and mentally. It’s a huge project and it’s gaining more and more traction each day which is largely thanks to the myriad of amazing touch points and connections we have with so many different people that are part of the (re)insurance industry.

“It’s amazing how everything just comes together and it just feels like it has its own energy. It’s a real privilege.”

Transacting in the Pacific

The executive revealed that in the middle of the physical endurance challenge of rowing across the Pacific, business will be transacted.

“Convex and Swiss Re have a reinsurance relationship and we agreed with them that we’re going to be notionally signing a contract between us in the middle of the Pacific. I’ve told Tia to prepare for some last-minute haggling,” he joked.

The customised rowing boat – named Iron Ore – was towed from Switzerland to the UK in January where it underwent final adjustments in the boatyard before being wrapped with sponsor branding and prepared for the voyage ahead.

The Pacific Discovery team have been undertaking a rigid training regime for months, preparing themselves mentally and physically for the feat.

The journey will require non-stop rowing for an estimated 40 days – depending on weather conditions – with two hours on the oars and two hours off, taking turns sleeping in between in cramped quarters.

In a recent Convex Conversation podcast, Patricios said it would help the team that Parker has the experience of the Atlantic Challenge behind him.

“It gives the team the comfort of knowing the protocol on board … I’ve known Cam for more than 23 years and he’s an adventurer – his risk appetite is a bit off the charts!” she commented.

Parker added that he had been attracted to the Pacific Challenge by the opportunity of building a team from scratch.

“I wanted to build a team of non-rowers, teach them how to row, then help them become elite athletes and participate in that journey of growth with everybody, because we all grow day by day,” he explained.

He highlighted the extreme physical challenges ahead, with fatigue, pain and sleep deprivation making for a mental resilience challenge too.

But he also talked about the unique experiences ahead for the rowers as they cross the Pacific, including night sky vistas without light pollution and wildlife encounters with sea turtles, dolphins and whales.

The team are targeting £100,000 of fundraising from the Pacific Challenge and have already hit the £50,000 mark as well as covering the costs of the endeavour with personal commitments and those from a wide range of corporate and personal sponsors.

Industry support

Among the official corporate sponsors, former Gallagher Re CEO Kent said he had recently read the book Salt, Sweat, Tears about pioneers of ocean rowing, when a chance meeting with Parker created an opportunity to support the Pacific Discovery team.

“The courage required to undertake such a voyage is daunting, but having spent some time with the team it is clear that their zest for adventure will propel them across their ocean journey.

“The team’s determination to raise a meaningful sum for the mental health charity Mind further exemplifies their ‘can-do’ attitude. We’re proud to support such a noble and worthwhile journey,” said the executive.

Patricios secured support for her participation through the Convex Dream Pitch initiative.

The carrier’s HR director Claire Ball said the decision to help Patricios realise her dream of rowing the Pacific was an easy one.

“I was fortunate enough to be on the Convex Dream Pitch panel of judges and see Tia’s dream pitch. I was truly amazed by the scale of the endeavour and inspired by her passion,” she said.

Convex co-founder and chair Catlin added: “Convex is thrilled to be supporting Theresa and the Pacific Discovery team on their quest to become the first reinsurance team to cross the Pacific.

“It is my hope that this journey inspires us all to take the big journeys we need, both mentally and physically, to make a difference to ourselves, our teams and the future of our planet.”

And Aon’s Christian drew parallels with operating in the risk business, with the need for research, understanding, navigation and sometimes courage.

“Here are four people representing our industry who have chosen to go out into one of the most risk-prone environments and row for 40 days straight.

“I am proud to join their drive ‘from a distance’ to unite the reinsurance industry behind their cause and support Mind at a time when mental health is at the forefront of our business,” said the industry veteran.

Swiss Re Group CEO Mumenthaler commented: "Mental health is as important as physical health and yet the stigma remains – there is still a long way to go. I'm proud that the team has gone out and shown what it means to come together and shine a light on this important topic. My best wishes are with the crew as they set off on this challenge. I will be keeping up with their progress and rooting for them every step of the way."

Follow the team’s voyage via Instagram for real-time updates and stories from the Pacific.

You can further support the team’s cause by donating to Mind here.