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One last sunrise to sunset. One more session navigating merciless swells. A final stretch with aching hands clutching relentless paddles.

However following over 15,000 kilometers across the ocean – an extraordinary 165-day expedition over the Pacific Ocean that included close encounters with whales, malfunctioning navigation equipment and sweet treat crises – the sea had one more challenge.

Powerful 20-knot gusts approaching Cairns continuously drove their small vessel, their boat Velocity, from the terra firma that was now frustratingly within reach.

Friends and family waited ashore as a planned midday arrival became 2pm, then 4pm, then dusk. Ultimately, at 6:42 PM, they reached the Cairns sailing club.

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

"Gusts were driving us from the passage, and we truly doubted we would succeed. We ended up outside the channel and contemplated a final swim to land. To finally be here, after talking about it for so long, just feels incredible."

The Extraordinary Expedition Starts

The UK duo – 28-year-old Rowe and 25-year-old Payne – pushed off from Lima, Peru on May fifth (a first try in April was derailed by a rudder failure).

Over 165 days at sea, they averaged 50 nautical miles a day, paddling together in daylight, individual night shifts while her crewmate slept minimal sleep in a cramped cabin.

Endurance and Obstacles

Nourished by 400kg of preserved provisions, a seawater purification system and an integrated greens production unit, the women counted on an inconsistent solar power setup for only partial electrical requirements.

For much of their journey over the enormous Pacific, they lacked directional instruments or signaling devices, turning them into a "ghost ship", almost invisible to other vessels.

The pair have borne 9-metre waves, crossed commercial routes and endured raging storms that, periodically, shut down every electronic device.

Historic Accomplishment

Yet they continued paddling, one stroke after another, during intensely warm periods, under star-filled night skies.

They achieved an unprecedented feat as the first all-female pair to paddle over the South Pacific, without breaks or external assistance.

And they have raised more than £86,000 (A$179,000) supporting Outward Bound.

Life Aboard

The women attempted to maintain communication with civilization beyond their small boat.

During the 140s of their journey, they reported a "chocolate emergency" – reduced to their final two portions with another 1,600 kilometers ahead – but allowed themselves the indulgence of unwrapping a portion to honor England's rugby team triumph in global rugby competition.

Personal Reflections

Payne, originating from Yorkshire's non-coastal region, had not been at sea before her solo Atlantic crossing during 2022 establishing a record.

Another ocean now falls to her accomplishments. Yet there were periods, she acknowledged, when they doubted their success. As early as day six, a route across the globe's vastest waters appeared insurmountable.

"Our electrical systems were diminishing, the freshwater system lines broke, but after nine repairs, we accomplished a workaround and barely maintained progress with little power throughout the remaining journey. Every time something went wrong, we just looked at each other and went, 'of course it has!' Yet we continued forward."

"Jess made an exceptional crewmate. The remarkable aspect was our collaborative effort, we addressed challenges collectively, and we were always working towards the same goals," she said.

Rowe is from Hampshire. Preceding her ocean conquest, she crossed the Atlantic by rowing, walked the southwestern English coastline, ascended Mount Kenya and cycled across Spain. 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."