🔗 Share this article

One more day. One more session navigating the pitiless slide. One more day of blistered hands clutching relentless paddles.

However following over 15,000 kilometers across the ocean – a monumental half-year voyage through Pacific waters that included near brushes with cetaceans, malfunctioning navigation equipment and cocoa supply emergencies – the sea had one more challenge.

A gusting 20-knot wind near Cairns repeatedly forced their small vessel, the Velocity, away from solid ground that was now frustratingly within reach.

Supporters anticipated on shore as an expected noon touchdown evolved into afternoon, then 4pm, then twilight hours. Finally, at 6.42pm, they reached Cairns Yacht Club.

"The concluding hours proved absolutely punishing," Rowe stated, at last on firm earth.

"Breezes were forcing us off course, and we truly doubted we would succeed. We ended up outside the channel and considered swimming the remaining distance. To finally be here, following years of planning, proves truly extraordinary."

The Monumental Voyage Commences

The English women – 28-year-old Rowe and 25-year-old Payne – pushed off from Lima, Peru on May fifth (a first try in April was derailed by a rudder failure).

During 165 ocean days, they averaged 50 nautical miles a day, rowing in tandem during the day, individual night shifts while her partner rested minimal sleep in a confined sleeping area.

Survival and Challenges

Sustained by 400 kilograms of dehydrated meals, a seawater purification system and a vessel-based sprout cultivation system, the duo depended upon an inconsistent solar power setup for a fraction of the power they've needed.

For much of their journey over the enormous Pacific, they operated without navigation tools or signaling devices, turning them into a "ghost ship", hardly noticeable to maritime traffic.

The pair have borne 9-metre waves, traversed marine highways and survived violent tempests that, at times, silenced all of their electronics.

Historic Accomplishment

And they've kept rowing, one stroke after another, across blazing hot days, under star-filled night skies.

They achieved an unprecedented feat as the initial female duo to paddle over the South Pacific, non-stop and unsupported.

And they have raised more than £86,000 (Australian $179,000) supporting Outward Bound.

Life Aboard

The women attempted to maintain communication with civilization outside their tiny vessel.

During the 140s of their journey, they reported a "chocolate emergency" – reduced to their final two portions with another 1,600 kilometers ahead – but permitted themselves the luxury of opening one bar to honor England's rugby team triumph in global rugby competition.

Individual Perspectives

Payne, from a landlocked part of Yorkshire, lacked ocean experience until she rowed the Atlantic solo in 2022 in a record time.

She has now mastered another ocean. However there were instances, she admitted, when they feared they wouldn't make it. As early as day six, a path over the planet's biggest sea seemed unachievable.

"Our energy was failing, the desalination tubes ruptured, yet after numerous mends, we achieved an alternative solution and barely maintained progress with minimal electricity during the final expedition phase. Whenever issues arose, we simply exchanged glances and went, 'of course it has!' Still we persevered."

"Jess made an exceptional crewmate. The remarkable aspect was our collaborative effort, we resolved issues as a team, and we perpetually pursued common aims," she remarked.

Rowe originates from Hampshire. Prior to her Pacific success, she paddled the Atlantic, trekked England's coastal trail, scaled the Kenyan peak and cycled across Spain. Further adventures likely await.

"We had such a good time together, and we're already excited to plan new adventures as a team again. Another teammate wouldn't have worked."