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Brothers from Scotland break world record for fastest Pacific rowboat journey in 139 days

Maclean brothers Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan successfully concluded their ocean rowing voyage on Saturday, reaching Cairns, Australia, marking 14,000 kilometers covered without stop from Peru. They are now the first team to row across the entirety of South America to Australia.

Brothers from Scotland establishes new Pacific rowing speed record in 139 days
Brothers from Scotland establishes new Pacific rowing speed record in 139 days

Brothers from Scotland break world record for fastest Pacific rowboat journey in 139 days

In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, the Maclean brothers - Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan - have made history by becoming the first team to achieve the full crossing from South America to Australia. Their record-breaking journey, spanning approximately 14,000 kilometres (9000 miles), concluded recently in Cairns, Australia.

The brothers' voyage was not without its challenges. They endured seasickness, injuries, and violent storms, including one that swept Lachlan overboard. Despite these setbacks, they pressed on, ultimately setting a world record for the fastest unsupported row across the full Pacific Ocean.

The previous record was held by Russian solo rower Fyodor Konyukhov, who completed the journey in 160 days in 2014. The Maclean brothers managed to shave off a significant amount of time, completing their journey in a yet-to-be-disclosed duration.

Upon arrival in Cairns, the brothers played the bagpipes and waved the Scottish, Australian, and United Kingdom flags. The celebration was not just for their achievement but also for the €808,000 (700,000 pounds, $945,690) they raised for clean water projects. The Maclean Foundation, founded by the brothers, aims to provide clean water to 40,000 people in Madagascar.

The Maclean Foundation was established to channel the donations raised during their journey. The brothers set a target of €1.15million (1million pounds, $1.3 million) and have already surpassed the halfway mark.

Ewan Maclean, the eldest brother, described the journey as the hardest thing he had ever done, stating that he would not have contemplated it without his siblings. In the hours before their arrival, he uploaded a video asking about the availability of pizza and beer at the Cairns Marlin Marina, hinting at the camaraderie and humour that sustained them throughout their ordeal.

Meanwhile, in a different part of the world, a record number of mariachis gathered in a plaza in Mexico City to perform classic songs. While there is no direct connection between these two events, it serves as a testament to the global impact and interest in extraordinary feats of human endurance.

As the Maclean brothers continue to bask in their success, it's clear that their journey is not just about breaking records. It's about inspiring others, raising awareness for crucial issues, and demonstrating the power of brotherhood and determination.

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