🔗 Share this article 'Those concluding hours tested every limit': British duo finish extraordinary voyage in Down Under after rowing across Pacific Ocean One last sunrise to sunset. One more day up and down the unforgiving ocean. A final stretch with aching hands holding onto unyielding oars. However following over 15,000 kilometers on the water – a monumental half-year voyage over the Pacific Ocean that included close encounters with whales, malfunctioning navigation equipment and sweet treat crises – the waters delivered a last obstacle. Strong 20-knot breezes off Cairns continuously drove their compact craft, their boat Velocity, away from solid ground that was now achingly close. Friends and family waited ashore as a scheduled lunchtime finish shifted to 2pm, subsequently 4pm, then twilight hours. Finally, at 6.42pm, they arrived at the Cairns marina. "Those last hours tested every fiber," Rowe said, at last on firm earth. "Breezes were forcing us off course, and we honestly thought we weren't going to make it. We found ourselves beyond the marked route and thought we might have to swim to shore. To ultimately arrive, after extensive preparation, proves truly extraordinary." The Epic Journey Begins The English women – aged 28 and 25 respectively – pushed off from Lima, Peru on 5 May (a first try in April was derailed by a rudder failure). During 165 ocean days, they covered approximately 50 sea miles each day, working as a team through daytime hours, individual night shifts while her partner rested a bare handful of hours in a tight compartment. Perseverance and Difficulties Sustained by 400 kilograms of dehydrated meals, a saltwater conversion device and an onboard growing unit for micro-greens, the duo depended upon an inconsistent solar power setup for only partial electrical requirements. Throughout the majority of their expedition across the vast Pacific, they lacked directional instruments or beacon, turning them into a "ghost ship", hardly noticeable to maritime traffic. The women endured 30-foot swells, crossed commercial routes and weathered furious gales that, periodically, shut down every electronic device. Historic Accomplishment Yet they continued paddling, one stroke after another, during intensely warm periods, under star-filled night skies. They have set a new record as the initial female duo to row across the South Pacific Ocean, non-stop and unsupported. And they have raised in excess of £86k (Australian $179,000) for the Outward Bound Trust. Existence Onboard The women attempted to stay connected with society beyond their small boat. Around day one-forty, they announced a "sweet treat shortage" – down to their last two bars with another 1,600 kilometers ahead – but permitted themselves the luxury of breaking one open to honor England's rugby team triumph in global rugby competition. Personal Reflections Payne, from a landlocked part of Yorkshire, lacked ocean experience until she rowed the Atlantic solo in 2022 achieving record pace. She has now mastered another ocean. Yet there were periods, she acknowledged, when failure seemed possible. As early as day six, a route across the globe's vastest waters felt impossible. "Our energy was failing, the desalination tubes ruptured, yet after numerous mends, we achieved an alternative solution and just limped along with little power during the final expedition phase. Each time problems occurred, we just looked at each other and went, 'naturally it happened!' Still we persevered." "It was really great to have Jess as a teammate. The remarkable aspect was our collaborative effort, we resolved issues as a team, and we perpetually pursued common aims," she stated. Rowe originates from Hampshire. Before her Pacific triumph, she rowed the Atlantic, trekked England's coastal trail, scaled the Kenyan peak and biked through Spain. Further adventures likely await. "We shared such wonderful experiences, and we're already excited to plan new adventures collectively once more. No other partner would have sufficed."