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One more day. Another day battling through merciless swells. A final stretch with aching hands gripping unforgiving oars.

But after more than 8,000 nautical miles on the water – a monumental half-year voyage over the Pacific Ocean that included close encounters with whales, failing beacons and cocoa supply emergencies – the waters delivered a last obstacle.

A gusting 20-knot wind off Cairns continuously drove their compact craft, their rowing boat Velocity, from the terra firma that was now frustratingly within reach.

Loved ones gathered on land as a scheduled lunchtime finish shifted to 2pm, followed by 4pm, then early evening. Ultimately, at 6:42 PM, they arrived at the Cairns marina.

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

"Breezes were forcing us off course, and we honestly thought we weren't going to make it. We found ourselves beyond the marked route and contemplated a final swim to land. To ultimately arrive, following years of planning, proves truly extraordinary."

The Monumental Voyage Commences

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

Over 165 days at sea, they averaged 50 nautical miles a day, rowing in tandem during the day, one rowing alone at night while her partner rested minimal sleep in a confined sleeping area.

Perseverance and Difficulties

Nourished by 400kg of preserved provisions, a seawater purification system and an integrated greens production unit, the pair have relied on a less-than-reliable solar system for only partial electrical requirements.

For much of their journey through the expansive ocean, they lacked directional instruments or beacon, making them essentially invisible, hardly noticeable to maritime traffic.

The pair have borne 9-metre waves, navigated shipping lanes and weathered furious gales that, at times, shut down every electronic device.

Record-Breaking Achievement

And they've kept rowing, one stroke after another, through scorching daylight hours, below stellar evening heavens.

They have set a new record as the initial female duo to cross the southern Pacific by rowing, non-stop and unsupported.

And they have raised in excess of £86k (A$179,000) benefiting the outdoor education charity.

Daily Reality at Sea

The pair did their best to maintain communication with civilization away from their compact craft.

During the 140s of their journey, they declared a "cocoa crisis" – down to their last two bars with still more than 1,600km to go – but permitted themselves the luxury of unwrapping a portion to honor England's rugby team victory in the World Cup.

Individual Perspectives

Payne, originating from Yorkshire's non-coastal region, was unacquainted with maritime life before her solo Atlantic crossing during 2022 establishing a record.

She now has a second ocean conquered. Yet there were periods, she conceded, when they feared they wouldn't make it. Starting within the first week, a way across the world's largest ocean appeared insurmountable.

"Our electrical systems were diminishing, the water-maker pipes burst, however following multiple fixes, we achieved an alternative solution and barely maintained progress with minimal electricity throughout the remaining journey. Whenever issues arose, we simply exchanged glances and went, 'typically it occurred!' But we kept going."

"Having Jess as a partner proved invaluable. What was great was that we worked hard together, we problem-solved together, and we consistently shared identical objectives," she stated.

Rowe originates from Hampshire. Preceding her ocean conquest, she rowed the Atlantic, walked the southwestern English coastline, scaled the Kenyan peak and biked through Spain. Further adventures likely await.

"Our collaboration proved incredibly rewarding, and we're already excited to plan new adventures collectively once more. No other partner would have sufficed."