Our sea crew

 

Andrei Celovschi (celo)

Celo is used to powering forward with two wheels on the tarmac and he is swapping these for two new oars on a vast ocean. Understated, with a quiet sense of humour, we are all looking forward to unravelling his strength and determination which we know will get us all across the Pacific with big smiles on our faces. He is also our team techie and drives the engine behind our website shop window.

cam parker

Cam is the only member of the team who has rowed an ocean before - and he is back for more. (Ahem, that’s why we’re all here.) A blast of positivity and multi-talented-energy-filled enthusiasm, he is always looking for opportunities to grow himself and to support others on their journeys too. He wears the Trello project management crown and, beware, you won’t escape a brush with Cam without a trademark selfie to prove it.

tia patricios

If Tia had to choose another lifeform to live through, it would be a fish. Tia loves anything to do with water and nature in general and is at her happiest when she is on an outdoor adventure. The Pacific Challenge was one of the larger adventures on her bucket list and was transformed into a reality when she won the Dream Pitch award from her employer. Driven by principles, adventurous and introspective, Tia is looking forward to this enriching experience and to sharing both beautiful and tough moments with the team.

Stuart Thompson

Stuart hails from the United Kingdom; comes with a Royal Naval background having served as an Engineer. Passionate about sailing and all things ocean; he couldn't resist the enormity of the Pacific Challenge and can't wait to help build this team into something very special.

 

Our land crew

 

mary ervin

Mary is electric and our super-organised Sponsorship Queen, a talented discount negotiator, our all-things-US advisor, and communications support. (Seriously, if she calls you, get ready to empty those pockets.)

Joy Maurer

Joy is our voice: she’s creating and telling our incredible story, juggling our content, listening and advising with her bright red PR hat and, most important, will also also be our vital ship to shore link while we are at sea.

penny bird

Penny was dubbed “Creative Genius” on the Atlantic Discovery row in 2018/19 and when we can drag her away from her camera, she wears our Brand Champion hat.

www.yoursomersetretreat.com

caroline sharley

Caroline is our “dream big” team well-being coach and cheerleader. She is guiding us to visualise our goals and giving us the tools we need to develop into a high performing crew, committed to our cause, and the long game.

 

Our partners

 

We are delighted to be supporting Theresa (Head of Investments at Convex) through our Dream Pitch initiative. A unique opportunity for any Convexian to pitch their ultimate dream, with the possibility of Convex helping them to achieve that dream by providing time, money or resources.

 As a provider of reinsurance, we are also pleased our backing for Theresa represents a significant contribution to making the Pacific Discovery team’s challenge possible - a team made up of individuals from the reinsurance industry.

 “I was fortunate enough to be on the Convex Dream Pitch panel of judges and see Theresa’s dream pitch. I was truly amazed by the scale of the endeavour and inspired by her passion. It made the decision to help Theresa realise her dream an easy one.” Claire Ball, Convex Group HR Director

Convex

Convex is an international specialty insurer and reinsurer founded by Stephen Catlin and Paul Brand in 2019. With operations in Bermuda, London and Europe, Convex occupies a unique position in the insurance and reinsurance industry, combining unrivalled experience, reputation and a legacy-free balance sheet.


ERV

ERV is an early-stage, deep-tech firm focused on clean energy that has a positive impact on climate, accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy system and is one of Pacific Discovery's gold sponsors. ERV and Pacific Discovery's values align around these core themes, exemplified by the team's immersion in nature and the fundamental challenge of crossing the ocean with our human st rength and resilience. We are grateful and proud to be partnering with ERV and sharing our journey with them every step of the way.


James Kent, CEO Gallagher Re

Having recently read the book Salt, Sweat, Tears about pioneers of ocean rowing, it was fate that a chance meeting a few weeks later with Cam Parker would create an opportunity to support the Pacific Discovery team in this inspiring endeavour. 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.


CHEYNE CAPITAL

When Tia told me over dinner about her upcoming adventure - to row 2,800 miles across the Pacific ocean -  I was struck by not only the endeavour, but also the significant commitment that would be needed in order to get to the start line, let alone spend 40 days at sea. 

The commitment required in this feat is very much at the centre of what we believe at Cheyne where, over the last 23 years, there has been a core focus to create a responsible and sustainable business that serves our clients and aims to achieve their goals.  

We could not help wanting to be involved in supporting this journey. Fast forward a few months, we have our logo proudly displayed on the back of their boat and cannot wait for the race start.

 We are behind you all the way Tia, Cam, Stu and Celo.


Since 1933, we have helped people get more out of their outdoor activities. We are proud of our history and the fact that we have more 65 years of experience in designing and developing compasses, headlamps and outdoor products. We are also proud to support Pacific Discovery in their second ocean journey across the Pacific.


We are so thrilled and thankful to be part of this meaningful journey and support the incredible Pacific Discovery crew! You have a real role to play in making a huge difference in this world. All the best on this adventure and enjoy the ride!

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” Dan Zhu, Vice President, Global Sales & Management


“My definition of happiness is seeing your victory celebrations accompanied by your Bubbly Sponsor ... Casa Lot. Good luck to you all and take great care”. Gianfranco Lot, friend, work colleague and producer


“As a man who experiences bipolar disorder I know what it is like to suffer from a mental health challenge in silence and applaud initiatives that help raise the awareness of our mental health (and mental ill-health). As a cyclist, I rode the Tour de France route on a static trainer in 2018 in support of our mental health, so understand the commitment and dedication that a challenge like the Pacific Discovery will take. I am delighted to be able to offer the team wellbeing analytics support via FormScore for Teams.

FormScore helps individuals become more intentional about their wellness and creates moments of connection and peer support between friends, family and trusted colleagues. Our workplace solution provides real-time wellbeing insights and dives engagement in support solutions. We wish the crew all the best on this fantastic challenge and look forward to seeing the impact of the training and the event itself on the wellbeing of the crew mates.”

Rob Stephenson, CEO, FormScore


Myzone is a unique wearable fitness brand that rewards effort rather than ability, motivating its users to feel good about physical activity. Myzone uses inclusive, game-based mechanics and social elements to build communities together through the Myzone app. Myzone creates personalised zones for each user, based on their maximum heart-rate, which means anyone can compete together on a level playing field.

Used by 1.8 million people and already represented in over 9000 facilities in 84 countries, Myzone provides engaging and motivational experiences, supporting positive behaviour change to make exercise habits stick that benefit both body and mind.

Stefan Huber Fux (Swiss Re Foundation), Eva Haussmann (Head Personal Resilience), Cameron Parker (Pacific Discovery), Christian Mumenthaler (Swiss Re Group CEO)

Christian Mumenthaler

“Amid one of the most drastic changes our lives have seen, your team has gone out and shown us what it means to come together again, redefine ourselves and shine a light on mental health. Supporting you all on this crazy adventure Cam & team makes me proud.” Christian Mumenthaler, Swiss Re Group CEO


Stephen Catlin

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. The ocean and the protection of our future has always been close to my heart. It is my hope that this journey inspires us all to take the big journeys we need to, both mentally and physically, to make a difference to ourselves, our teams and the future of our planet.


We're in the risk business – it requires 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. Good luck Pacific Discovery and congratulations on leading the way!


“I am so lucky to be able to fill up my inspiration bucket at the feet of these beautiful souls who are taking on an extreme endurance challenge to test their mental and physical resilience, so they can do good for others. It will be a privilege to learn and grow through Pacific Discovery’s journey, and an honour to tell their story as best I can, through my camera lens. Thank you for the opportunity.” Penny Bird, Professional Photographer


“We are beyond excited to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing team on this truly epic and inspiring adventure, and we are thankful for the reminder to always dream big!   Safe travels!”  Sean Annable, Vice President of Sales


Sven Roost from Longtail Media

“We are always excited to capture action-packed and picturesque moments with our camera – especially when it’s for such an inspiring team rowing for a good cause. All the best on your heroic endeavour!“ Longtail Media


It’s with huge appreciation that we thank Dani and the Staempfli team for their enormous support during our Atlantic crossing in 2018 and now in preparation for our Pacific crossing in 2023. We’ll be launching from their boatyard and thank them for their incredible dedication to the sport of rowing. A huge thanks to you Dani!


ivan.bar was founded in 2015 with one goal; to make a bar that was nutritious and satiating, and it had to taste amazing. We’re proud to have achieved that goal, and now our products are helping elite athletes, from NBA players to Olympic cyclists to AVP Volleyball players to our courageous and intrepid mariner friends at Pacific Discovery, with whom we are proud and honoured to be associated. Our vegan, gluten-free, dense-nutrition plant based bars are enjoyed around the world, and now they’ll actually be sailing around the world (or a least a sizeable chunk of it), and we couldn’t be more excited to be on board.


Claudia Willi, CEO @ treazrly

It is with great pleasure that we support this extraordinary project. Cam, Tia, Celo and Stuart as well as the land crew are showing us what enthusiastic and motivated people are capable of. We are enormously excited to be supporting them, and are following every part of their thrilling journey.  Good luck and our best wishes for healthy and happy arrival in Hawaii! 

Treazrly® is a fully digital system that supports companies recruit people and develop teams in an integrated and holistic way, starting with a highly accurate personality questionaire.

With treazrly® it is possible to achieve the balance between HardFactors and SoftFactors in filling every vacancy by optimally aligning candidates with the job, the team leader, the team and the company.

 In addition, team leaders as well as new and existing team members receive systematic and practical support in onboarding, communication and leadership.

 

Our stowaways

 

rolf wyss

Thank you very much for the honour to be included in the Crew rowing over the Pacific.

rob hallier

This gets more inspiring day by day! Thank you.

kelly szegda

Michael Jordon says ‘Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence wins championships’ . Good luck Cam & team!

Chris Wertli & Erik Payen

‘Don’t sink the boat’ from two lovely friends. We’ll make you both proud and thanks for your very kind generosity and support!

Caleb Rockstone

Such a privilege to get to support this crazy expedition across the ocean! Also an inspiration to have hope for daring dreams.

‘To expand the horizons of your utmost destiny you have to venture beyond the confines of fear, doubt and negativity’ - Anthon St. Maarten

Joël Schaffter

The most exciting thing you'll do in your life. Enjoy

The Thank You is all on us Rowan and please ‘Do not practice this at home!’

Rowan Quigley-turner

I am proud to support this incredible endeavour, and contribute to such an important charity. I wish all of you lunatics the best of luck. May you row with the determination of a lawyer and the fearlessness of a skateboarder!

Mike Steel

A worthy cause and an awe-inspiring team. I look forward to following your journey.

Joe Kelley

I am amazed at your courage to undertake this journey for such a noble cause. I am proud to help support you and wish you god speed.

Lydia Pomp

Bon voyage you incredible team!

Caroline sharley

It’s a huge privilege to be along for the ride with this extraordinary group of dreamers.  Can't wait to help however I can make their dreams a reality, one stroke at a time.  Dream big, aim far and let the horizon come up to meet you.

David Bassi

I miss you. With all your perfect imperfections. And the joy I feel when I am with you. And all the other people you inspire. I’m in awe of your devastating power. Mixed in with warmth and color. You’re beautiful. All your confusing personalities. Your everything in one. Your mine. Or am I yours? Words & photo by Adam Bassi

James Shepherd

You are all inspirational! Completely nuts but truly inspirational!!!

Peter Bütikofer

When I recently told my best friend how grateful I am for all the luck and happiness I have experienced over decades of my life, she smiled and corrected me slightly by saying: It's your gratefulness which makes you happy. In this spirit, I wish you many moments of gratefulness during your incredible adventure and I'm sure you will have happiness and fun on board during your entire crazy trip!

www.provitatec.com #savinglives

Philip Maechler

Hi Cam and Penny (and team). You are not only living your dream, but also supporting others to move forward in their lives. And you do it in a very personal yet professional way. Super team, congratulations to you all. Really impressive! It is my pleasure and honour to keep in touch with the project.

Eva Haussmann

Thank you for dedicating your endeavor to the cause of mental health, a topic that is very close to my heart!

With every mile rowed you will encourage heartfelt open conversation and help break the stigma. I couldn't be prouder of you.

Obrein Telly

With each row you make the world a better place. Cheering for you and wishing you strength of mind, body and soul!

Nathalie Rushe

Wishing you smooth waves and unbreakable spirits as you embark on this amazing journey. ♥️