Patrick Coote, Northrop and Johnson Managing Director of Europe, may be more familiar with superyachts than rowing boats, but next month he’ll be setting off from Port Vell on the Spanish mainland in an attempt to row non-stop to the island of Ibiza in the Balearics as part of an extreme endurance race.

The feat is expected to take around 80 hours, depending on the wind and weather.

After completing a 12-day, 650km row around Scotland in 2022, this race of a mere 330km may seem like a walk in the park in comparison; until you factor in the high temperatures of the blistering Mediterranean sun as well as the rashes, sea-sickness, aches and pains, all compounded by extreme exhaustion and severe sleep deprivation.

Believe it or not, it’s all for a good cause. Coote will be part of a four-man team raising awareness, and seeking donations, to help fund the education and advocacy programs of the NOMAN charity, which aims to eliminate the devastation caused by HPV, the agent of 5% of cancers.

The 24′ (7.3m) ocean rowing boat has been designed to self-right if they capsize and withstand the worst weather the open sea can throw at them. The boat has a water-tight cabin, solar panels to power the onboard navigation system, and a water-maker to convert seawater into drinking water.

“The pain and discomfort aboard will be in stark contrast to life on the superyachts we normally work with, but it will all be worthwhile if we can complete the challenge and raise money to help prevent future suffering by cancer patients,” said Coote. “We’re extremely grateful to Northrop and Johnson, IGY Port Ibiza and Port Vell for their support.”

You can support Patrick Coote and the team in their endeavours by clicking on this link to make a donation to NOMAN:
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/patrick-coote-2023