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A final 24-hour stretch. Another day battling through the pitiless slide. One more day of blistered hands holding onto unyielding oars.

However following over 15,000 kilometers at sea – an extraordinary 165-day expedition through Pacific waters 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 kept pushing their small vessel, their boat Velocity, away from solid ground that was now frustratingly within reach.

Friends and family waited ashore as a scheduled lunchtime finish shifted to 2pm, then 4pm, then twilight hours. Ultimately, at 6:42 PM, they arrived at Cairns Yacht Club.

"The concluding hours proved absolutely punishing," Rowe stated, finally standing on land.

"The wind was pushing us off the channel, and we genuinely believed we might fail. We ended up outside the channel and thought we might have to swim to shore. To finally be here, after talking about it for so long, seems absolutely amazing."

The Monumental Voyage Commences

The British pair – Rowe is 28 and Payne 25 – pushed off from Lima, Peru in early May (a first try in April was stopped by equipment malfunction).

Across nearly half a year on water, they covered approximately 50 sea miles each day, rowing in tandem during the day, single rower overnight while her crewmate slept minimal sleep in a tight compartment.

Endurance and Obstacles

Sustained by 400 kilograms of dehydrated meals, a saltwater conversion device and a vessel-based sprout cultivation system, the pair have relied on an inconsistent solar power setup for only partial electrical requirements.

For much of their journey across the vast Pacific, they operated without navigation tools or beacon, turning them into a "ghost ship", nearly undetectable to passing ships.

The duo faced nine-meter waves, crossed commercial routes and survived violent tempests that, at times, silenced all of their electronics.

Record-Breaking Achievement

And they've kept rowing, stroke by relentless stroke, across blazing hot days, under star-filled night skies.

They established a fresh milestone as the pioneering women's team to cross the southern Pacific by rowing, non-stop and unsupported.

Furthermore they gathered more than £86,000 (Australian $179,000) for the Outward Bound Trust.

Life Aboard

The duo made every effort to stay connected with society outside their tiny vessel.

During the 140s of their journey, they announced a "sweet treat shortage" – reduced to their final two portions with another 1,600 kilometers ahead – but allowed themselves the indulgence of unwrapping a portion to celebrate England's Red Roses winning the Rugby World Cup.

Individual Perspectives

Payne, hailing from inland Yorkshire, had not been at sea until she rowed the Atlantic solo during 2022 establishing a record.

She now has a second ocean conquered. Yet there were periods, she conceded, when they doubted their success. As early as day six, a way across the world's largest ocean seemed unachievable.

"Our power was dropping, the freshwater system lines broke, but after nine repairs, we achieved an alternative solution and simply continued struggling with minimal electricity throughout the remaining journey. Whenever issues arose, we merely made eye contact and went, 'typically it occurred!' Yet we continued forward."

"It was really great to have Jess as a teammate. The remarkable aspect was our collaborative effort, we addressed challenges collectively, and we were always working towards the same goals," she said.

Rowe originates from Hampshire. Preceding her ocean conquest, she crossed the Atlantic by rowing, hiked England's South West Coast Path, climbed Mount Kenya and pedaled across Spanish terrain. Additional challenges probably remain.

"We had such a good time together, and we're eagerly anticipating future expeditions as a team again. I wouldn't have done it with anybody else."