Scottish Brothers Break Pacific Rowing Record After 139 Days at Sea

Sun Sep 14 2025 03:06:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan MacLean have established a new world record for the fastest unsupported row across the Pacific Ocean, completing their epic journey in Cairns, Australia.

After nearly five months struggling against storms, challenges, and sleep deprivation, the MacLean brothers have completed their historic 9,000-mile row from Peru to Australia, breaking the previous record set in 2014. They raised funds for clean water initiatives while experiencing harrowing conditions and are thrilled to finally celebrate their achievement.

Three brothers from Edinburgh have claimed a new record for rowing non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean after almost 140 days at sea.

Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan MacLean endured violent tropical storms which forced them into making lengthy detours on their 9,000-mile (14,484km) journey from Peru to Australia. During one storm, Lachlan was swept overboard by a large wave before being pulled back into the boat.

The brothers, who have been reunited with their family and friends in Cairns, in eastern Australia, said they were looking forward to pizza - and a decent night's sleep.

Ewan told BBC Breakfast: It's still slightly surreal - it's going to take a wee while for our feet to touch the ground, but what an amazing reception we've had in Cairns.\

Jamie said the crossing had been physically and mentally relentless, but added: Together we form a pretty good team, and together we've overcome this massive challenge. The Scottish trio has beaten the previous record of 162 days for the fastest full, unassisted, non-stop Pacific row, set by Russian solo rower Fyodor Konyukhov in 2014, finishing their journey in 139 days, five hours, and 52 minutes.

During their journey, they faced numerous challenges including high winds, sleep deprivation, and equipment malfunctions. They managed their rations carefully, bringing 500kg of freeze-dried food and 75kg of oats on board. Lachlan noted how crucial morale was throughout the trip, sharing moments of laughter helped uplift their spirits.

Reflecting on their adventure, Jamie described it as the most incredible, relentless, and often surreal of his life, while Lachlan found solace in the beauty of the night skies and encounters with marine life during their row. The brothers have successfully raised over £700,000 towards their £1m target for clean water projects in Madagascar.