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A final 24-hour stretch. One more day up and down merciless swells. One more day of blistered hands gripping unforgiving oars.

But after more than 8,000 nautical miles at sea – an epic five-and-a-half-month journey through Pacific waters that included close encounters with whales, malfunctioning navigation equipment and sweet treat crises – the sea had one more challenge.

A gusting 20-knot wind near Cairns continuously drove their tiny rowboat, the Velocity, away from solid ground that was now achingly close.

Loved ones gathered on land as a planned midday arrival became 2pm, subsequently 4pm, then dusk. Finally, at 6.42pm, they arrived at Cairns Yacht Club.

"Those last hours tested every fiber," Rowe expressed, eventually on solid ground.

"Gusts were driving us from the passage, and we truly doubted we would succeed. We drifted outside the navigational path and thought we might have to swim to shore. To at last reach our destination, after extensive preparation, just feels incredible."

The Extraordinary Expedition Starts

The UK duo – 28-year-old Rowe and 25-year-old Payne – departed from Lima, Peru on 5 May (an initial attempt in April was halted by steering issues).

Across nearly half a year on water, they covered approximately 50 sea miles each day, rowing in tandem during the day, one rowing alone at night while her crewmate slept a bare handful of hours in a confined sleeping area.

Perseverance and Difficulties

Sustained by 400 kilograms of dehydrated meals, a water desalinator and an onboard growing unit for micro-greens, the women counted on an unpredictable photovoltaic arrangement for a fraction of the power they've needed.

Throughout the majority of their expedition through the expansive ocean, they lacked directional instruments or beacon, turning them into a "ghost ship", nearly undetectable to passing ships.

The women endured 30-foot swells, crossed commercial routes and survived violent tempests that, periodically, shut down every electronic device.

Historic Accomplishment

And they've kept rowing, one stroke after another, across blazing hot days, under star-filled night skies.

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 more than £86,000 (A$179,000) benefiting the outdoor education charity.

Life Aboard

The duo made every effort to stay connected with society away from their compact craft.

On "day 140-something", they declared a "cocoa crisis" – diminished to merely two remaining pieces with another 1,600 kilometers ahead – but permitted themselves the luxury of opening one bar to celebrate England's Red Roses triumph in global rugby competition.

Personal Reflections

Payne, hailing from inland Yorkshire, lacked ocean experience until she rowed the Atlantic solo in 2022 achieving record pace.

Another ocean now falls to her accomplishments. Yet there were periods, she acknowledged, when they doubted their success. Starting within the first week, a route across the globe's vastest waters seemed unachievable.

"Our electrical systems were diminishing, the desalination tubes ruptured, yet after numerous mends, we managed a bypass and simply continued struggling with little power throughout the remaining journey. Whenever issues arose, we just looked at each other and went, 'typically it occurred!' Still we persevered."

"Jess made an exceptional crewmate. What was great was that we worked hard together, we resolved issues as a team, and we perpetually pursued common aims," she said.

Rowe hails from Hampshire. Prior to her Pacific success, she rowed the Atlantic, hiked England's South West Coast Path, ascended Mount Kenya and biked through Spain. Additional challenges probably remain.

"Our collaboration proved incredibly rewarding, and we're eagerly anticipating future expeditions collectively once more. No other partner would have sufficed."