Convex Group Limited (“Convex”) and Swiss Re today announced the setting of a new world record. On board the Iron Ore vessel, Convex’s Head of Investments, Theresa Patricios (Tia), and Cameron Parker, Head P&C Structured Solutions Continental Europe & Africa at Swiss Re, made up not only the first reinsurance team to ever row the Pacific Ocean, but also the fastest mixed gender crew in history to do so in 34 days, 8 hours and 22 minutes. Also on board, battling gruelling conditions, were Swiss Re chapter lead Stuart Thompson and iptiQ software engineer Andrei Celovschi (Celo).
Organised by “World’s Toughest Row”, the race, which began on June 12th in Monterey, California, saw 13 teams rowing 2,800 miles competing to arrive first in their category on the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii.
The crossing also saw the symbolic signing of a Quota share Reinsurance Contract in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 1,300 nautical miles from shore. After some last minute, high-seas haggling, Parker and Patricios signed the treaty and further strengthened the relationship between Convex and Swiss Re.
Patricios said: “This has been an arduous but ultimately thrilling journey and I’m immensely proud of my fellow crew members. Completing this race is rewarding enough, but to have set a world record is just astounding”.
Parker said: “My vision for this row from the start was to unite the reinsurance industry behind a project which provides a unique and fast track opportunity for personal growth and shines a light on one of the greatest risks facing our industry – mental health.”
Watch the team’s emotional arrival here.
The team is still working to raise awareness for mental health and GBP £100k for Mind, please support their cause and make a donation to Mind here.
Further photos can be accessed here.