🔗 Share this article 'Those final few hours were brutal': British pair complete epic voyage in Down Under after rowing across Pacific Ocean A final 24-hour stretch. One more session navigating the unforgiving ocean. One more day of blistered hands holding onto unyielding oars. But after more than 8,000 nautical miles on the water – an extraordinary 165-day expedition across the Pacific that included close encounters with whales, failing beacons and sweet treat crises – the waters delivered a last obstacle. Powerful 20-knot gusts off Cairns continuously drove their compact craft, the Velocity, away from solid ground that was now achingly close. Friends and family waited ashore as a scheduled lunchtime finish evolved into afternoon, then 4pm, then dusk. At last, at eighteen forty-two, they arrived at the Cairns sailing club. "Those final few hours were brutal," Rowe expressed, finally standing on land. "Gusts were driving us from the passage, and we truly doubted we would succeed. We found ourselves beyond the marked route and considered swimming the remaining distance. To finally be here, after talking about it for so long, just feels incredible." The Monumental Voyage Commences The English women – 28-year-old Rowe and 25-year-old Payne – set out from Peruvian shores in early May (a first try in April was halted by steering issues). Over 165 days at sea, they covered approximately 50 sea miles each day, rowing in tandem during the day, one rowing alone at night while her teammate dozed 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 integrated greens production unit, the women counted on a less-than-reliable solar system for only partial electrical requirements. For much of their journey across the vast Pacific, they lacked directional instruments or beacon, making them essentially invisible, almost invisible to other vessels. The pair have borne 9-metre waves, crossed commercial routes and survived violent tempests that, periodically, shut down every electronic device. Groundbreaking Success And they've kept rowing, one stroke after another, during intensely warm periods, under star-filled night skies. They have set a new record as the first all-female pair to row across the South Pacific Ocean, without breaks or external assistance. Furthermore they gathered in excess of £86k (179,000 Australian dollars) supporting Outward Bound. Existence Onboard The women attempted to maintain communication with civilization away from their compact craft. Around day one-forty, they announced a "sweet treat shortage" – diminished to merely two remaining pieces with another 1,600 kilometers ahead – but allowed themselves the indulgence of breaking one open to celebrate England's Red Roses victory in the World Cup. Personal Insights Payne, hailing from inland Yorkshire, had not been at sea prior to her independent Atlantic journey during 2022 establishing a record. She has now mastered another ocean. Yet there were periods, she acknowledged, when they feared they wouldn't make it. As early as day six, a route across the globe's vastest waters appeared insurmountable. "Our energy was failing, the freshwater system lines broke, yet after numerous mends, we achieved an alternative solution and simply continued struggling with little power during the final expedition phase. Each time problems occurred, we just looked at each other and went, 'naturally it happened!' But we kept going." "Jess made an exceptional crewmate. Our mutual dedication stood out, we problem-solved together, and we consistently shared identical objectives," she stated. Rowe is from Hampshire. Preceding her ocean conquest, she rowed the Atlantic, walked the southwestern English coastline, scaled the Kenyan peak and cycled across Spain. Further adventures likely await. "We shared such wonderful experiences, and we're already excited to plan new adventures as a team again. Another teammate wouldn't have worked."