Edinburgh Brothers Shatter Pacific Rowing Record

Mon Sep 15 2025 15:02:00 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The MacLean brothers, Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan, have achieved an extraordinary feat by completing a 9,000-mile nonstop rowing journey across the Pacific Ocean in 139 days, breaking the previous record.

In a remarkable accomplishment, the MacLean brothers from Edinburgh have broken the record for the fastest non-stop unsupported row across the Pacific Ocean. After 139 days at sea, they faced numerous challenges including violent storms and personal peril, but ultimately celebrated their achievement upon arrival in Cairns, Australia.

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 that forced them into 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, reunited with family and friends in Cairns, Australia, expressed their eagerness for pizza and a good 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.

Their final time was 139 days, five hours, and 52 minutes, beating the previous record of 162 days set by Russian solo rower Fyodor Konyukhov in 2014.

The MacLeans did much of their training in waters near their croft in Assynt, Scotland. Their carbon fiber boat, named Rose Emily in memory of a sister lost before birth, carried enough supplies for 150 days, prompting rationing as they neared land.

After enduring sleep deprivation and the physical demands of the journey, the brothers focused on supporting each other, which they credit as their greatest strength. As they reflect on their adventure, they acknowledge both the challenges faced and the overwhelming support from donors that helped them raise over £700,000 for clean water projects in Madagascar.

While they look forward to the comforts of home, including a freshly made bed and pizza, they admit to missing nights under star-filled skies and close encounters with wildlife.