Three brothers from Scotland have made history by setting a new world record for the fastest unsupported row across the entire Pacific Ocean. On March 15, 2024, Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan Maclean completed their remarkable journey in just 139 days, arriving at Cairns, Australia. The trio undertook this monumental task, rowing more than 9,000 miles non-stop from Peru, and became the first team ever to achieve a full crossing from South America to Australia.
The brothers, hailing from Edinburgh, faced numerous challenges during their voyage, including severe storms, seasickness, and injuries. In one harrowing incident, Lachlan was swept overboard by violent waves. Despite these obstacles, they successfully raised over £700,000 ($945,690) toward their goal of £1 million ($1,350,450) for clean water projects.
As they approached Cairns Marlin Marina, they celebrated their monumental achievement by playing the bagpipes and waving the flags of Scotland, Australia, and the United Kingdom. More than 50 family members, supporters, and fans awaited their arrival, including their mother, Sheila. The moment was filled with joy and relief, marking the culmination of a grueling journey.
In the hours leading up to their arrival, Ewan, the eldest brother, shared a light-hearted video message with the marina. “Do you have pizza and beer? I repeat, do you have pizza and beer? Over,” he quipped. The 33-year-old described the journey as the hardest experience of his life, one he would have never considered undertaking without his siblings by his side. “We’ve shed tears of joy and laughed till our cheeks hurt,” he reflected.
Middle brother Jamie, aged 31, recounted the challenging conditions they faced, particularly towards the end of their journey. “We seriously thought we might run out of food,” he admitted. The experience has profoundly impacted the brothers, giving them a new perspective on life and resilience.
The Macleans plan to continue their fundraising efforts through the Maclean Foundation, aiming to provide clean water to 40,000 people living in Madagascar. Their remarkable feat has not only set a new benchmark but has also raised awareness for an essential cause.
The previous record for the fastest unassisted, nonstop Pacific row was set by Russian solo rower Fyodor Konyukhov in 2014, with a time of 160 days. The Macleans’ achievement certainly raises the bar for future adventurers looking to conquer the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.
