UPDATE: British adventurers Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne have made history by completing a record-breaking non-stop, unsupported rowing expedition across the Pacific Ocean. After 165 days at sea, the duo arrived in Cairns, Australia, last night, crossing the finish line at 6:42 PM local time.
Their epic journey spanned over 8,213 nautical miles (15,210 km), launching from Lima, Peru, on May 5, 2025. They are now recognized as the first women’s team to achieve this monumental feat, showcasing unparalleled endurance and determination. The adventurers were greeted by an emotional crowd of family, friends, and supporters, all celebrating their incredible achievement.
Rowe and Payne rowed in grueling two-hour shifts, battling extreme weather conditions and mechanical failures while raising funds for The Outward Bound Trust. At the time of their arrival, they had raised over £86,000 (AUD $179,000 / USD $116,000), exceeding their initial fundraising goals and setting a new target of £100,000.
Reflecting on their journey, Rowe stated,
“We still can’t quite believe it’s real. After so many days at sea, to finally see land, and the welcome we’ve had here in Cairns, is beyond words.”
Payne added, “Those final few hours were brutal. We honestly thought we weren’t going to make it.” Their determination was palpable as they faced challenges like “ghost-ship” electrical failures and relentless waves.
As they savored their arrival, Rowe and Payne looked forward to enjoying Far North Queensland’s natural beauty and the local nightlife before planning their next adventure. They celebrated with hot pizza and cold beers, marking the end of a journey that tested their physical and mental limits.
This extraordinary achievement places Rowe and Payne among the world’s elite ocean rowers. Their triumph is not just about crossing the Pacific; it is a testament to human endurance and resilience. They are the first female team to row the Pacific from mainland to mainland non-stop and unsupported, as well as the youngest team to accomplish this feat.
Since launching, they have garnered significant attention, amassing over 110,000 followers on Instagram alone, with their videos receiving more than 75 million views. Their boat, Velocity, was equipped with advanced safety and communication technology, alongside a unique on-board growing unit developed by Home Harvest to supplement their diet with fresh produce.
As they embark on a well-deserved break, the world watches with admiration. Rowe and Payne’s story is an inspiring example of overcoming adversity and achieving remarkable goals. Stay tuned for updates as they share their next adventures.
For those wanting to support their charity efforts, donations can be made [here](https://givestar.io/gs/AGS4ZMK).
