Three Scottish brothers have set a new world record for the fastest unsupported row across the Pacific Ocean. On Saturday, Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan Maclean completed the journey in 139 days, arriving in Cairns, Australia. They became the first team to row non-stop from Peru to Australia, covering over 9,000 miles.
The brothers, from Edinburgh, battled through severe storms, seasickness, injuries, and even a dangerous incident when Lachlan was swept overboard. In addition to their achievement, they raised more than £700,000 ($945,690) toward their £1 million ($1,350,450) goal for clean water initiatives.
As they arrived at Cairns Marlin Marina, the trio celebrated by playing the bagpipes and waving flags from Scotland, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Over 50 family members and supporters, including their mother Sheila, were there to greet them, reports UNB/AP.
Just hours before reaching the marina, Ewan, the eldest brother, shared a humorous video, “Do you have pizza and beer? I repeat, do you have pizza and beer? Over.”
Ewan, 33, described the journey as the toughest challenge he has ever faced, one that he could not have contemplated without his brothers. “We’ve shed tears of joy and laughed till our cheeks hurt,” he said.
Jamie, 31, the middle brother, revealed that things grew difficult near the end of the trip. “We seriously thought we might run out of food,” he admitted.
The Macleans said that the journey has given them a fresh outlook on life. They intend to continue their fundraising efforts, with plans to provide clean water to 40,000 people in Madagascar through their charity, the Maclean Foundation.
The previous fastest unassisted, nonstop Pacific row record was held by Russian rower Fyodor Konyukhov, who completed the journey in 160 days in 2014.
