🔗 Share this article 'Those final few hours were brutal': UK duo complete epic voyage in Down Under after rowing across Pacific Ocean One more day. One more session navigating the unforgiving ocean. A final stretch with aching hands clutching relentless paddles. But after more than 8,000 nautical miles at sea – a monumental half-year voyage over the Pacific Ocean that included near brushes with cetaceans, defective signaling devices and chocolate shortages – the sea had one more challenge. Powerful 20-knot gusts off Cairns kept pushing their compact craft, their rowing boat Velocity, off course from land that was now achingly close. Supporters anticipated on shore as an expected noon touchdown evolved into afternoon, then 4pm, then early evening. At last, at eighteen forty-two, they arrived at the Cairns sailing club. "Those last hours tested every fiber," Rowe said, eventually on solid ground. "The wind was pushing us off the channel, and we genuinely believed we might fail. We drifted outside the navigational path and thought we might have to swim to shore. To finally be here, after extensive preparation, seems absolutely amazing." The Epic Journey Begins The English women – Rowe is 28 and Payne 25 – set out from Peruvian shores in early May (a first try in April was halted by steering issues). Across nearly half a year on water, they covered approximately 50 sea miles each day, paddling together in daylight, individual night shifts while her crewmate slept minimal sleep in a tight compartment. Endurance and Obstacles Nourished by 400kg of preserved provisions, a saltwater conversion device and an onboard growing unit for micro-greens, the duo depended upon an unpredictable photovoltaic arrangement for only partial electrical requirements. Throughout the majority of their expedition through the expansive ocean, they've had no navigation equipment or location transmitters, turning them into a "ghost ship", nearly undetectable to passing ships. The duo faced nine-meter waves, crossed commercial routes and endured raging storms that, at times, silenced all of their electronics. Groundbreaking Success And they've kept rowing, stroke by relentless stroke, during intensely warm periods, beneath celestial nightscapes. They established a fresh milestone as the first all-female pair to paddle over the South Pacific, without breaks or external assistance. Additionally they collected in excess of £86k (A$179,000) supporting Outward Bound. Life Aboard The duo made every effort to stay connected with society outside their tiny vessel. During the 140s of their journey, they announced a "sweet treat shortage" – down to their last two bars with over 1,000 miles remaining – but granted themselves the pleasure of unwrapping a portion to celebrate England's Red Roses winning the Rugby World Cup. Personal Insights Payne, originating from Yorkshire's non-coastal region, had not been at sea before her solo Atlantic crossing in 2022 achieving record pace. Another ocean now falls to her accomplishments. However there were instances, she admitted, when they feared they wouldn't make it. As early as day six, a way across the world's largest ocean appeared insurmountable. "Our electrical systems were diminishing, the desalination tubes ruptured, yet after numerous mends, we achieved an alternative solution and barely maintained progress with little power for the rest of the crossing. Whenever issues arose, we merely made eye contact and went, 'of course it has!' Still we persevered." "It was really great to have Jess as a teammate. Our mutual dedication stood out, we addressed challenges collectively, and we consistently shared identical objectives," she remarked. Rowe is from Hampshire. Before her Pacific triumph, she paddled the Atlantic, hiked England's South West Coast Path, climbed Mount Kenya and pedaled across Spanish terrain. Additional challenges probably remain. "We shared such wonderful experiences, and we're already excited to plan new adventures as a team again. No other partner would have sufficed."