UPDATE: British adventurers Jess Rowe (28) and Miriam Payne (26) have just arrived in Cairns, Australia, after an astonishing 165 days at sea, completing a record-breaking non-stop, unsupported crossing of the Pacific Ocean. Their journey from Lima, Peru to Cairns covered over 8,000 miles (approximately 15,200 km), making them the first women’s team to achieve this remarkable feat.
The duo crossed the finish line at the Cairns Yacht Club at 6:42 PM local time, greeted by cheers, flares, and an emotional crowd of supporters who had followed their journey online. Their boat, Velocity, marked a significant moment in adventurous history as they became the first female team to row the entire Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported.
In addition to shattering records, Rowe and Payne aimed to raise funds for The Outward Bound Trust, a UK charity dedicated to helping young people develop resilience through adventure. As of their arrival, they have raised over £86,000 (AUD $179,000, USD $116,000), exceeding their original fundraising goals and setting a new target of £100,000.
Their journey was not without its challenges. After an initial attempt was thwarted by a rudder failure in April 2025, the pair launched again in May, enduring relentless heat, isolation, and mechanical issues throughout their six-month odyssey. Rowe described their final hours approaching Cairns as “brutal,” with strong winds nearly pushing them off course.
“We honestly thought we weren’t going to make it,” Rowe reflected. “To finally be here, after talking about it for so long, just feels incredible.” Payne added, “Every time something went wrong, we just looked at each other and went, ‘of course it has!’ But we kept going.”
The women’s extraordinary journey placed them among the world’s elite ocean rowers, marking several unprecedented achievements, including being the youngest team to row the Pacific Ocean mainland to mainland non-stop and unsupported.
Their expedition encompassed numerous obstacles, including storms, equipment failures, and sleep deprivation, yet they also experienced breathtaking moments, such as encounters with marine wildlife and starry skies.
As they celebrate their monumental arrival, Rowe and Payne anticipate enjoying hot pizza, cold beers, and quality time with family before exploring the natural beauty of Far North Queensland.
With over 110,000 followers on Instagram and millions of views on their journey videos, their story has captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing human endurance and the spirit of adventure.
For those wishing to support their charity efforts, donations can be made through their campaign page.
Follow these remarkable adventurers as they prepare for their next adventure, fueled by the passion and camaraderie that carried them across the Pacific.
