Northrop & Johnson’s Patrick Coote to embark on 650km North Sea row for charity

patrick coote

Patrick Coote, the European Managing Director of global yacht brokerage firm Northrop & Johnson, is taking on an extraordinary challenge that will see him row the wild and untamed waters of the North Sea between Scotland and Norway in the name of a very worthy cause. 

At 8am on Monday 15th July, the Monaco resident and his 11 teammates will set off from Inverness Marina on the eastern coast of Scotland on an adventure of a lifetime.  

The group will battle weather, wind and weariness as they work in three-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, to cross the North Sea, with the end goal of reaching the Norwegian city of Stavanger in about a week.  

Coote and his team, many of whom are experienced open sea rowers, will be travelling in a 24-foot ocean rowing boat that features a special design to handle the worst weather conditions, as well as the ability to right itself in case of capsizing – a feature they hopefully will not need, but one that offers peace of mind to the rowers and their families.  

This brave mission is all for a good cause, with the funds raised by the rowers due to be donated to the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF).  

“The health of our oceans is critical for the health of our planet and the WWF has numerous projects to protect marine wildlife,” says Coote. “I want to play a small part by supporting them and increasing the awareness of their efforts.” 

This is far from Coote’s first charity endeavour. In the last three years alone, he has raised in excess of €40,000 for various charitable associations through challenges such as the upcoming North Sea row, such as his successful attempt to become the first person to circumnavigate Scotland in a rowing boat in 2022 and his participation in a rowing race from Barcelona to Ibiza in 2023.  

To support the WWF through Patrick’s next adventure, click hereFor more information on the WWF and its projects, click here.

Read related:

Interview: Patrick Coote, Northrop & Johnson

 

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Lionel Beffre to replace outgoing Patrice Cellario as Monaco’s Interior Minister

After more than four decades of service to the Principality, Patrice Cellario is set to retire from his role as Monaco’s Minister of the Interior next month. He will be succeeded by Lionel Beffre, a civil servant with an extensive background within the French administration.

From 5th August, Monaco will have a new Interior Minister in the form of Lionel Beffre. 60-year-old Beffre of Aveyron in the Occitanie region of Southern France has previously held numerous high-ranking positions within the French administration, such Director of Administration at the Paris Prefecture, Head of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet, High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia and his most recent posting as Chief of Staff of the Minister of Overseas Territories. 

He has also worked as Prefect of several mainland French departments, including Lot-et-Garonne, Eure-et-Loir, Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Isère. In addition, he has been bestowed with a number of important French awards, such as Knight of the Legion of Honour, Officer of the National Order of Merit, Knight of Academic Palms and Knight of Agricultural Merit. 

“With a wealth of experience, he will bring to Monaco his expertise and his involvement in the service of the security and quality of life of the Monegasque population,” says a spokesperson for the Palais Princier de Monaco, which announced Beffre’s new role in the Principality on 3rd July.  

He will be stepping into the shoes of Patrice Cellario, who will be retiring at the age of 70 after many years of dedicated service to the Principality, including nine as its Minister of the Interior.  

“Prince Albert II wishes to express his deep gratitude to Mr. Patrice Cellario for his 42 years of exemplary service within the State,” reads a statement from the Palace. “During his career, Mr. Cellario worked significantly in the areas of public works and environment and town planning, as well as in those of security, education, sport and culture, thus contributing to the development, stability and attractiveness of Monaco. His unwavering commitment towards his duties and his loyalty have always been exemplary.” 

Read related:

Monaco announces new Minister of State: Didier Guillaume to succeed Pierre Dartout

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

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