Three Scottish Brothers Achieve Historic Pacific Ocean Row, Setting New World Record
In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, three Scottish brothers, Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan Maclean, have set a new world record for the fastest human-powered crossing of the Pacific Ocean. Their epic journey, which spanned an astounding 9,000 miles, culminated in Cairns, Australia, on August 30, where they arrived after 139 days, 5 hours, and 52 minutes spent at sea. This achievement not only highlights their remarkable physical strength and resilience but also serves as an inspiring testament to human spirit.
The trio, hailing from Edinburgh, is the first recorded team to row from South America to Australia, surpassing the previous record of 159 days set by Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov in 2014. Their attempt was fueled by a desire to raise awareness and funds for clean water projects in Madagascar, a noble cause that has resonated with supporters across the globe. To date, they have raised an impressive £795,000 (approximately $1.64 million AUD), with notable endorsements from celebrities such as Ewan McGregor and Mark Wahlberg.
Their adventure commenced on April 12, and it was anything but smooth sailing. In the initial stages, both Jamie and Ewan faced severe seasickness, which tested their resolve as they battled fatigue and discomfort. In a near-fatal incident, younger brother Lachlan was thrown overboard during a particularly rough night but was quickly rescued by Ewan, demonstrating not only their bond as brothers but their unwavering commitment to completing the challenge together.
Each day on the ocean was fraught with difficulties including extreme weather that slowed their progress, a broken water maker, and injuries from prolonged rowing sessions that sometimes lasted up to 14 hours. As food supplies dwindled, the brothers faced the daunting reality of potentially running out of provisions. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, their spirits remained high, bolstered by the support from fans worldwide.
Upon their return to land, the trio was met with elation from over 50 family members and friends who had traveled from the UK to celebrate their arrival. Ewan, who took a hiatus from his engineering career at Dyson for this unprecedented journey, reflected on the profound impact this experience has had on him. He remarked, "This has been the hardest thing I've ever done, and I couldn't have even contemplated it without my brothers. There have been countless setbacks, but we've leaned on each other to overcome them."
In the midst of their reflection on their accomplishments, Jamie, who is known for his sense of humor, humorously declared his craving for pizza after such an exhausting period at sea. He expressed a new appreciation for simple pleasures like a warm shower and the comfort of solid ground.
Lachlan, the youngest of the trio, celebrated his 27th birthday during the expedition and reflected on the personal motivation that drove him to support water projects in Madagascar—an inspiration sparked during a visit to the country post-university. He noted, "While we've completed the row, our journey isn't over. We're committed to reaching our charity target of £1 million to provide clean water for 40,000 people in Madagascar. Clean water is essential, yet often taken for granted."
The brothers’ boat, named Rose Emily in honor of a sister they never knew, was developed to be the fastest and lightest ocean rowing vessel ever made, showcasing not only their commitment to the challenge but also their ingenuity in ocean rowing. The Maclean Brothers first gained attention in 2019 when they rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, breaking three world records along the way despite being relatively new to the sport.
As news of their remarkable achievement spread, countless individuals have been inspired to embark on their own charity challenges, turning their gaze towards helping those in need. This remarkable journey across the Pacific Ocean has not only set a world record but also underscored the power of determination, teamwork, and the drive to make a difference.