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One last sunrise to sunset. Another day battling through the pitiless slide. One more day of blistered hands holding onto unyielding oars.

But after more than 8,000 nautical miles on the water – an epic five-and-a-half-month journey through Pacific waters that included close encounters with whales, malfunctioning navigation equipment and chocolate shortages – the sea had one more challenge.

A gusting 20-knot wind approaching Cairns continuously drove their tiny rowboat, the Velocity, away from solid ground that was now achingly close.

Supporters anticipated on shore as an expected noon touchdown became 2pm, followed by 4pm, then early evening. Ultimately, at 6:42 PM, they reached the Cairns sailing club.

"Those last hours tested every fiber," Rowe expressed, at last on firm earth.

"Breezes were forcing us off course, and we honestly thought we weren't going to make it. We drifted outside the navigational path and thought we might have to swim to shore. To at last reach our destination, following years of planning, proves truly extraordinary."

The Epic Journey Begins

The UK duo – 28-year-old Rowe and 25-year-old Payne – departed from Lima, Peru on May fifth (an initial attempt in April was derailed by a rudder failure).

Across nearly half a year on water, they covered approximately 50 sea miles each day, rowing in tandem during the day, single rower overnight while her crewmate slept a bare handful of hours in a cramped cabin.

Perseverance and Difficulties

Sustained by 400 kilograms of dehydrated meals, a water desalinator and an integrated greens production unit, the duo depended upon an inconsistent solar power setup for a fraction of the power they've needed.

For much of their journey over the enormous Pacific, they lacked directional instruments or beacon, creating a phantom vessel scenario, almost invisible to other vessels.

The women endured 30-foot swells, navigated shipping lanes and endured raging storms that, periodically, shut down every electronic device.

Historic Accomplishment

Still they maintained progress, stroke by relentless stroke, through scorching daylight hours, under star-filled night skies.

They have set a new record as the pioneering women's team to paddle over the South Pacific, non-stop and unsupported.

Furthermore they gathered over eighty-six thousand pounds (179,000 Australian dollars) supporting Outward Bound.

Life Aboard

The pair did their best to maintain communication with civilization outside their tiny vessel.

Around day one-forty, they reported a "chocolate emergency" – reduced to their final two portions with another 1,600 kilometers ahead – but allowed themselves the indulgence of unwrapping a portion to celebrate England's Red Roses winning the Rugby World Cup.

Individual Perspectives

Payne, originating from Yorkshire's non-coastal region, was unacquainted with maritime life until she rowed the Atlantic solo during 2022 establishing a record.

She has now mastered another ocean. However there were instances, she conceded, when failure seemed possible. Beginning on the sixth day, a way across the world's largest ocean felt impossible.

"Our power was dropping, the freshwater system lines broke, but after nine repairs, we accomplished a workaround and just limped along with little power throughout the remaining journey. Each time problems occurred, we just looked at each other and went, 'typically it occurred!' But we kept going."

"Jess made an exceptional crewmate. Our mutual dedication stood out, we problem-solved together, and we were always working towards the same goals," she said.

Rowe is from Hampshire. Before her Pacific triumph, she paddled the Atlantic, walked the southwestern English coastline, climbed Mount Kenya and biked through Spain. There might still be more.

"We shared such wonderful experiences, and we're enthusiastically preparing additional journeys collectively once more. Another teammate wouldn't have worked."