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One last sunrise to sunset. One more day up and down merciless swells. One more day of blistered hands holding onto unyielding oars.

However following over 15,000 kilometers across the ocean – an extraordinary 165-day expedition across the Pacific that included near brushes with cetaceans, defective signaling devices and sweet treat crises – the sea had one more challenge.

Strong 20-knot breezes near Cairns repeatedly forced their compact craft, the Velocity, off course from land that was now frustratingly within reach.

Friends and family waited ashore as a scheduled lunchtime finish shifted to 2pm, followed by 4pm, then dusk. At last, at eighteen forty-two, they arrived at the Cairns sailing club.

"Those final few hours were brutal," Rowe said, at last on firm earth.

"Breezes were forcing us off course, and we genuinely believed we might fail. We found ourselves beyond the marked route and considered swimming the remaining distance. To ultimately arrive, after extensive preparation, proves truly extraordinary."

The Epic Journey Begins

The UK duo – aged 28 and 25 respectively – departed from Lima, Peru in early May (a first try in April was halted by steering issues).

Over 165 days at sea, they covered approximately 50 sea miles each day, working as a team through daytime hours, one rowing alone at night while her partner rested a bare handful of hours in a confined sleeping area.

Endurance and Obstacles

Sustained by 400 kilograms of dehydrated meals, a seawater purification system and a vessel-based sprout cultivation system, the women counted on an unpredictable photovoltaic arrangement for a fraction of the power they've needed.

Throughout the majority of their expedition over the enormous Pacific, they lacked directional instruments or beacon, creating a phantom vessel scenario, hardly noticeable to maritime traffic.

The women endured 30-foot swells, traversed marine highways and weathered furious gales that, periodically, disabled all electrical systems.

Historic Accomplishment

And they've kept rowing, each pull following the last, during intensely warm periods, below stellar evening heavens.

They have set a new record as the pioneering women's team to cross the southern Pacific by rowing, non-stop and unsupported.

And they have raised over eighty-six thousand pounds (A$179,000) supporting Outward Bound.

Existence Onboard

The women attempted to stay connected with society away from their compact craft.

On "day 140-something", they announced a "sweet treat shortage" – diminished to merely two remaining pieces with another 1,600 kilometers ahead – but permitted themselves the luxury of breaking one open to honor England's rugby team victory in the World Cup.

Individual Perspectives

Payne, hailing from inland Yorkshire, was unacquainted with maritime life until she rowed the Atlantic solo in 2022 achieving record pace.

She has now mastered another ocean. However there were instances, she admitted, when failure seemed possible. Starting within the first week, a path over the planet's biggest sea felt impossible.

"Our power was dropping, the desalination tubes ruptured, but after nine repairs, we accomplished a workaround and just limped along with little power for the rest of the crossing. Each time problems occurred, we just looked at each other and went, 'typically it occurred!' Yet we continued forward."

"Having Jess as a partner proved invaluable. What was great was that we worked hard together, we addressed challenges collectively, and we perpetually pursued common aims," she remarked.

Rowe hails from Hampshire. Prior to her Pacific success, she paddled the Atlantic, hiked England's South West Coast Path, ascended Mount Kenya and pedaled across Spanish terrain. There might still be more.

"We shared such wonderful experiences, and we're eagerly anticipating future expeditions together as well. I wouldn't have done it with anybody else."