Three brothers from Edinburgh have claimed a new record for rowing non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean after almost 140 days at sea. Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan MacLean endured violent tropical storms, which forced them into making lengthy detours on their 9,000-mile (14,484km) journey from Peru to Australia. During one storm, Lachlan was swept overboard by a large wave before being pulled back into the boat. The brothers, who were reunited with their family and friends in Cairns, Australia, expressed their excitement for pizza and a restful night’s sleep.
Ewan shared his post-victory reflections with BBC Breakfast, calling the experience surreal and noting the warm reception they received upon arriving in Cairns. The crossing was described as relentless by Jamie, yet he acknowledged their teamwork was pivotal in overcoming the challenges.
The trio has broken the previous Pacific rowing record of 162 days set by Russian solo rower Fyodor Konyukhov in 2014, completing their journey in 139 days, 5 hours, and 52 minutes. Their boat, named Rose Emily in memory of their deceased sister, underwent extensive training in waters near their home in Assynt.
They have also raised over £700,000 towards a £1 million goal for clean water initiatives in Madagascar, illustrating their commitment to using their adventure for a purpose.
Despite the grueling journey, the MacLean brothers managed their provisions meticulously; they began rationing food in the final stretch to anticipate delays caused by storms. While exhausted, they found motivation in sharing chocolate and coffee during their exhausting shifts.
Reflecting on their journey, Lachlan expressed mixed feelings about leaving the ocean behind, highlighting the beauty of star-filled skies and encounters with marine wildlife that bonded the brothers throughout their adventure. Jamie reinforced the emotional challenge, noting, 'It’s hard to believe the time we’ve spent out here.' As they concluded their phenomenal voyage, the brothers looked forward to enjoying the comforts of home, including family reunions and hearty meals.
Ewan shared his post-victory reflections with BBC Breakfast, calling the experience surreal and noting the warm reception they received upon arriving in Cairns. The crossing was described as relentless by Jamie, yet he acknowledged their teamwork was pivotal in overcoming the challenges.
The trio has broken the previous Pacific rowing record of 162 days set by Russian solo rower Fyodor Konyukhov in 2014, completing their journey in 139 days, 5 hours, and 52 minutes. Their boat, named Rose Emily in memory of their deceased sister, underwent extensive training in waters near their home in Assynt.
They have also raised over £700,000 towards a £1 million goal for clean water initiatives in Madagascar, illustrating their commitment to using their adventure for a purpose.
Despite the grueling journey, the MacLean brothers managed their provisions meticulously; they began rationing food in the final stretch to anticipate delays caused by storms. While exhausted, they found motivation in sharing chocolate and coffee during their exhausting shifts.
Reflecting on their journey, Lachlan expressed mixed feelings about leaving the ocean behind, highlighting the beauty of star-filled skies and encounters with marine wildlife that bonded the brothers throughout their adventure. Jamie reinforced the emotional challenge, noting, 'It’s hard to believe the time we’ve spent out here.' As they concluded their phenomenal voyage, the brothers looked forward to enjoying the comforts of home, including family reunions and hearty meals.
