Three Scottish brothers—Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan Maclean—have shattered records and expectations by completing the fastest unsupported, nonstop rowing journey across the Pacific Ocean, arriving in Cairns, Australia, on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Their epic 139-day odyssey, which began in Lima, Peru, not only set a new world record but also raised over $1.6 million for clean water projects in Madagascar, according to CNN and multiple news outlets.
The Macleans’ journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Rowing more than 9,000 miles (over 14,000 kilometers) across the world’s largest ocean, they became the first team to accomplish a full Pacific crossing from South America to Australia without support or stops. Their route, initially planned to end in Sydney by August 2, was redirected to Cairns due to relentless storms—just one of many challenges that tested their resolve and teamwork.
Upon arrival, the brothers were greeted by more than 50 friends and family members, including their mother Sheila, at the Cairns Marlin Marina. The scene was jubilant: the trio played bagpipes and waved the flags of Scotland, Australia, and the United Kingdom, celebrating their accomplishment with a freshly baked margherita pizza and, as requested in a now-viral video, some much-desired beer. Ewan, the eldest, had humorously radioed ahead: “Do you have pizza and beer? I repeat: do you have pizza and beer? Over.”
The Maclean brothers’ journey was not just about breaking records. It was about making a difference. Through their charity, the Maclean Foundation, they aimed to raise £1 million (about $1.3 million) to fund clean water projects in Madagascar, targeting over 40,000 people in need. As of their arrival, they had raised more than £850,000 (over $1.15 million), with some reports putting the total at $1.64 million, thanks to widespread donations and sponsorships from whisky distilleries such as Rare Whisky 101 and Talisker. Celebrity supporters, including Ewan McGregor, Mark Wahlberg, and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, also rallied behind the campaign, amplifying its reach and impact.
The brothers’ boat, Rose Emily—named in memory of a sister who died during pregnancy—was a marvel of engineering. Designed with inspiration from Formula 1 and input from ocean-rowing legend Mark Slats, it was both the fastest and lightest ocean rowing boat in its class. Relying on freeze-dried rations and freshly caught fish, the trio faced a daily battle against seasickness, injuries, and the monotony of the open sea. One of the most harrowing moments came when Lachlan was swept overboard by a rogue wave during a night shift. “A wave appeared from nowhere on the side. I had only a few seconds to react, and it hit me,” Lachlan recounted to CNN. Fortunately, quick action from Ewan saved his brother’s life.
The brothers’ bond was crucial to their success. “We can be very direct with each other. Good communication was the key to this journey,” Jamie explained. Their ability to remain positive—even in the darkest hours—kept them rowing through storms, dwindling food supplies, and the physical toll of four and a half months at sea. As Jamie admitted, “We seriously thought we might run out of food. Despite how exhausted we were, we had to step up a gear and make it before supplies ran out, but now we get to eat proper food.”
The psychological strain was as intense as the physical. “We’ve shed tears of joy and laughed till our cheeks hurt,” Ewan reflected. “And at times we’ve cried with sadness and with fear, but our spirits have been lifted, time and time again, by the support of so many rallying behind us.” The journey, he said, was “the hardest thing I have ever done and one I could not have contemplated without my siblings.” The experience, according to Jamie, gave them “a new-found appreciation for things we used to take for granted—like going for a shower, lying in bed, or simply leaning on something stationary.”
The previous record for the fastest unsupported, nonstop Pacific row was 160 days, set by Russian solo rower Fyodor Konyukhov in 2014. The Macleans completed their crossing in 139 days, five hours, and 52 minutes—a feat recognized by multiple media outlets, including the BBC and CNN. Their achievement was made even more remarkable by the fact that they were the first team, rather than a solo rower, to complete the full crossing from South America to Australia.
Their charitable mission has roots in a family commitment to making a positive impact. In 2020, the brothers set their sights on supporting clean water projects, first by rowing across the Atlantic and setting three world records. Their success inspired them to take on the Pacific—the planet’s largest and most daunting ocean. The Pacific Ocean Challenge, as they called it, aimed not just to set records but to raise awareness and funds for communities in Madagascar, where only about 14% of the population in places like Ambohimanarina have access to safe drinking water.
The Maclean Foundation’s work is ongoing. With the funds raised, they plan to build wells and provide sustainable access to clean water for tens of thousands. “We strive to have a positive impact on other people; that’s what this journey is all about,” the brothers stated. Their story has resonated far beyond the rowing and adventure communities, inspiring people around the world to think bigger about what’s possible when determination, family, and a sense of purpose come together.
While the Macleans may still have their “sea legs” and a bit of wobble on dry land, their mission is far from over. As they look to the future, their focus remains on supporting those in need and encouraging others to take up challenges for causes greater than themselves. Their record-breaking row across the Pacific is more than a tale of endurance and adventure—it’s a testament to the power of hope, teamwork, and the drive to make the world a better place.