9,000 miles, 139 days and tropical storms: the unbelievable journey of 3 brothers who rowed the Pacific

When Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan Maclean were approaching the marina at Cairns, Australia, just hours from finally setting foot on dry land after nearly five months at sea, their first message wasn’t about their world record.

“Do you have pizza and beer? I repeat, do you have pizza and beer? Over,” Ewan asked the marina in a video the brothers posted on Instagram.

That simple craving marked the end of an epic 139-day journey across the Pacific Ocean—without a single stop. Their feat broke the record previously held by Russian adventurer Fyodor Konyukhov, who completed the crossing in 160 days.

From Peru to Australia: a journey like no other

The Macleans launched from Lima, Peru, on April 12 and rowed nonstop until August 30, when they finally reached the Marlin Marina in Cairns. They were welcomed with the sound of bagpipes and the cheers of family, friends, and curious onlookers.

By then, the three had rowed more than 8,700 miles (14,000 kilometers) across the world’s largest ocean. “We’ve shed tears of joy and laughed till our cheeks hurt,” said Ewan, 33, the eldest of the brothers.

A boat built for survival

The brothers completed the expedition in their custom-designed rowing boat, Rose Emily, named in memory of a sister lost during their mother’s pregnancy. Built from lightweight carbon fiber with input from ocean-rowing expert Mark Slats, the vessel served as their floating home—where they ate, slept, and rowed in relentless shifts.

“All we’ve known is constant rowing, only breaking for a broken sleep in a cramped cabin, a daily emptying of our thoughts into our Ship’s Log and to eat, clean and fix broken things,” they wrote in a post as they neared shore.

The Pacific tested them with strong currents, dwindling food supplies, and the mental strain of three adults sharing a space smaller than a walk-in closet. “Good communication has been key to this journey,” explained Jamie. “We are able to speak very directly to one another.”

Close calls and harsh realities

Life on board was a constant rotation of rowing, fishing, and eating freeze-dried meals. But there were moments that nearly ended the adventure.

At one point, a massive wave slammed into the boat, tossing Lachlan into the ocean. “[The rogue wave] took me right off my feet,” Lachlan recalled. “I kind of hit the life lines on the starboard side, basically did like a backwards somersault into the water.”

Their biggest psychological challenge came when storms forced them to abandon their original route. The plan had been to reach Sydney by August 2. Instead, they had to extend their journey by nearly a month, pushing through exhaustion and limited rations. “The last couple of weeks have been really hard,” Jaime admitted after landing.

A mission beyond adventure

This record-breaking voyage wasn’t just about personal achievement. The brothers dedicated their crossing to raising funds for a clean water project in Madagascar. By the time they reached Australia, they had raised more than $1.6 million.

“We want to have a positive impact on other people,” Ewan told CNN. “That is ultimately what this journey is about.”

After hugs, tears, and bagpipes, the three men stood shirtless at the dock, with long beards and weathered faces—modern-day explorers who just carved their names into history.

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