Three British brothers have set a new world record after completing the fastest human-powered crossing of the Pacific Ocean, arriving in Australia after 139 days at sea. The achievement makes them the first team ever recorded to row from South America to Australia, further cementing their place in endurance sports history.
Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan Maclean reached Cairns early Saturday morning, completing their 9,000-mile journey across the Pacific in a time of 139 days, five hours and 52 minutes. The British brothers break world record rowing across Pacific in a carbon-fiber boat without support or resupply, pushing through exhaustion and food shortages in the final stretch.
Middle brother Jamie, 31, described the trip as the most intense and surreal experience of his life. He said they nearly ran out of food and had to increase their pace toward the end to reach land before supplies were completely depleted.
Custom-built boat and record-breaking route
Their custom-built 280kg vessel, the Rose Emily, launched from Yacht Club Peruano in April. The team rowed in two-hour shifts and carried 500kg of provisions, including 75kg of oats and high-calorie meals. No safety boat accompanied them on the open water.
The journey surpasses the previous record held by Russian explorer Fedor Konyukhov, who rowed from Chile to Australia in 159 days in 2014.
Upon arrival, the Macleans were welcomed by more than 50 family members and friends, including their mother, Sheila, who traveled from the UK.
Charitable goal and global support
The Maclean brothers, from Edinburgh, are no strangers to extreme challenges. In 2020, they became the youngest and fastest trio to row across the Atlantic Ocean, raising over £200,000 for charity.
Their current expedition aims to collect £1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar through The Maclean Foundation, which they co-founded with their father, whisky writer Charles Maclean MBE. According to their website, they have raised more than £814,000 to date.
Ewan, 33, called the experience the hardest of his life, noting they faced constant setbacks and emotional highs and lows. Lachlan added that the support they received, both at sea and from afar, helped them endure the physical and mental challenges.
The Rare Whisky 101 Pacific Row gained international attention, with actor Mark Wahlberg calling the trio warriors and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea also offering praise. Support came from all corners, including residents at an Edinburgh care home who took up rowing in solidarity.
The British brothers break world record rowing across Pacific in a journey that blended physical endurance, family commitment and global support.
