'The last stretch proved absolutely grueling': UK duo complete epic journey in Down Under after rowing across Pacific Ocean

A final 24-hour stretch. Another day battling through the pitiless slide. One more day of blistered hands gripping unforgiving oars.

But after more than 8,000 nautical miles on the water – a monumental half-year voyage across the Pacific that included near brushes with cetaceans, malfunctioning navigation equipment and chocolate shortages – the sea had one more challenge.

A gusting 20-knot wind approaching Cairns repeatedly forced their compact craft, the Velocity, from the terra firma that was now achingly close.

Friends and family waited ashore as a scheduled lunchtime finish shifted to 2pm, subsequently 4pm, then dusk. Finally, at 6.42pm, they reached Cairns Yacht Club.

"Those last hours tested every fiber," Rowe said, finally standing on land.

"Gusts were driving us from the passage, and we truly doubted we would succeed. We ended up outside the channel and considered swimming the remaining distance. To ultimately arrive, following years of planning, just feels incredible."

The Extraordinary Expedition Starts

The English women – Rowe is 28 and Payne 25 – departed from Lima, Peru on May fifth (an initial attempt in April was stopped by equipment malfunction).

Across nearly half a year on water, they covered approximately 50 sea miles each day, rowing in tandem during the day, single rower overnight while her teammate dozed a bare handful of hours in a cramped cabin.

Survival and Challenges

Sustained by 400 kilograms of dehydrated meals, a water desalinator and an onboard growing unit for micro-greens, the women counted on an inconsistent solar power setup for limited energy demands.

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 duo faced nine-meter waves, traversed marine highways and weathered furious gales that, periodically, shut down every electronic device.

Groundbreaking Success

Still they maintained progress, stroke by relentless stroke, during intensely warm periods, under star-filled night skies.

They have set a new record as the initial female duo to paddle over the South Pacific, without breaks or external assistance.

Furthermore they gathered over eighty-six thousand pounds (A$179,000) for the Outward Bound Trust.

Life Aboard

The women attempted to keep in contact with the world 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 granted themselves the pleasure of opening one bar to mark the English squad's victory in the World Cup.

Personal Insights

Payne, originating from Yorkshire's non-coastal region, had not been at sea until she rowed the Atlantic solo during 2022 establishing a record.

Another ocean now falls to her accomplishments. However there were instances, she admitted, when failure seemed possible. As early as day six, a path over the planet's biggest sea appeared insurmountable.

"Our energy was failing, the freshwater system lines broke, but after nine repairs, we managed a bypass and just limped along with little power throughout the remaining journey. Every time something went wrong, we merely made eye contact and went, 'typically it occurred!' But we kept going."

"It was really great to have Jess as a teammate. The remarkable aspect was our collaborative effort, we problem-solved together, and we were always working towards the same goals," she stated.

Rowe hails from Hampshire. Prior to her Pacific success, she crossed the Atlantic by rowing, trekked England's coastal trail, climbed Mount Kenya and biked through Spain. Additional challenges probably remain.

"We had such a good time together, and we're already excited to plan new adventures collectively once more. I wouldn't have done it with anybody else."