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One last sunrise to sunset. One more session navigating the unforgiving ocean. One more day of blistered hands gripping unforgiving oars.

However following over 15,000 kilometers across the ocean – a monumental half-year voyage across the Pacific that included intimate meetings with marine giants, malfunctioning navigation equipment and chocolate shortages – the ocean presented a final test.

Powerful 20-knot gusts approaching Cairns kept pushing their compact craft, the Velocity, from the terra firma that was now frustratingly within reach.

Supporters anticipated on shore as a scheduled lunchtime finish became 2pm, subsequently 4pm, then dusk. Ultimately, at 6:42 PM, they arrived at the Cairns marina.

"The concluding hours proved absolutely punishing," Rowe said, eventually on solid ground.

"Breezes were forcing us off course, and we truly doubted we would succeed. We found ourselves beyond the marked route and contemplated a final swim to land. To at last reach our destination, after extensive preparation, seems absolutely amazing."

The Epic Journey Begins

The British pair – aged 28 and 25 respectively – set out from Peruvian shores in early May (a first try in April was stopped by equipment malfunction).

Across nearly half a year on water, they averaged 50 nautical miles a day, rowing in tandem during the day, individual night shifts while her crewmate slept just a few hours in a confined sleeping area.

Endurance and Obstacles

Nourished by 400kg of preserved provisions, a water desalinator and an integrated greens production unit, the duo depended upon a less-than-reliable solar system for limited energy demands.

During most of their voyage across the vast Pacific, they lacked directional instruments or location transmitters, turning them into a "ghost ship", nearly undetectable to passing ships.

The duo faced nine-meter waves, navigated shipping lanes and survived violent tempests that, at times, silenced all of their electronics.

Groundbreaking Success

And they've kept rowing, one stroke after another, through scorching daylight hours, beneath celestial nightscapes.

They have set a new record as the initial female duo to paddle over the South Pacific, without breaks or external assistance.

And they have raised more than £86,000 (179,000 Australian dollars) benefiting the outdoor education charity.

Life Aboard

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

Around day one-forty, they reported a "chocolate emergency" – diminished to merely two remaining pieces with another 1,600 kilometers ahead – but permitted themselves the luxury of unwrapping a portion to mark the English squad's victory in the World Cup.

Personal Insights

Payne, hailing from inland Yorkshire, lacked ocean experience prior to her independent Atlantic journey during 2022 establishing a record.

Another ocean now falls to her accomplishments. But there were moments, she admitted, when they doubted their success. Starting within the first week, a route across the globe's vastest waters appeared insurmountable.

"Our power was dropping, the water-maker pipes burst, however following multiple fixes, we achieved an alternative solution and barely maintained progress with minimal electricity for the rest of the crossing. Every time something went wrong, we simply exchanged glances and went, 'typically it occurred!' Still we persevered."

"Having Jess as a partner proved invaluable. The remarkable aspect was our collaborative effort, we problem-solved together, and we were always working towards the same goals," she said.

Rowe hails from Hampshire. Before her Pacific triumph, she paddled the Atlantic, trekked England's coastal trail, climbed Mount Kenya and pedaled across Spanish terrain. There might still be more.

"We had such a good time together, and we're already excited to plan new adventures collectively once more. I wouldn't have done it with anybody else."