Historic Pacific Crossing Achieved
British adventurers Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne have made history by becoming the first all-female crew to row non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean. The duo, known as 'Seas the Day,' completed their epic 8,000-mile (13,000km) journey from Lima, Peru to Cairns, Australia in 165 days, arriving on October 19, 2025.
Grueling Journey Against All Odds
The 28-year-old Rowe from Hampshire and 25-year-old Payne from East Yorkshire faced numerous challenges during their six-month ordeal at sea. Their second attempt at the record began in May 2025 after their first attempt in April was cut short by a broken rudder just 300 nautical miles from departure. 'Those final few hours were brutal,' Rowe told The Guardian upon arrival in Cairns.
The women endured extreme conditions aboard their 9-meter vessel 'Velocity,' including 30-foot waves, equipment failures, and power issues that threatened their survival. On the sixth day of their journey, their water-maker's pipe burst, leaving them with limited power for the remainder of the crossing. They sustained themselves by catching fish, growing microgreens in a small greenhouse, and consuming freeze-dried food supplies totaling 400 kilograms.
Record-Breaking Achievement
According to the Ocean Rowing Society International, Rowe and Payne are now officially recognized as the first female pair to complete this route without stopping or external support. Their achievement places them among elite ocean rowers who have conquered the world's largest ocean.
'We loved every minute of it, despite the challenges,' Payne told BBC News. The pair maintained a rigorous schedule, rowing in two-hour shifts day and night, with each taking turns to sleep in a small cabin while the other continued rowing.
Charity Mission and Future Plans
The expedition raised over £80,000 (approximately €95,000) for the Outward Bound Trust, a British charity that supports youth development through outdoor challenges. Both women have extensive experience in extreme rowing - Payne previously completed a solo Atlantic crossing in record time, while Rowe has rowed the Atlantic, climbed Mount Kenya, and undertaken extensive cycling and walking expeditions.
The successful completion comes just months after three Scottish brothers set a speed record for the same crossing in 139 days earlier this year. Rowe and Payne told reporters they enjoyed their partnership so much that they're already planning future adventures together.