Brothers undertake 9,000-mile sea voyage in one boat, aiming to establish a new world record while collecting water for a cleaner planet
The Maclean brothers, Ewan and Lachlan, are nearing the final stretch of their 9,000-mile unsupported row across the Pacific Ocean, with roughly 1,000 nautical miles left before they reach Sydney. The brothers, who previously rowed the Atlantic Ocean in 2020, setting a record by crossing in 35 days, are hoping to reunite with friends and family before September.
Co-designed by the brothers and the Ocean Rowing Company, their boat, Emily-Rose, is a testament to innovation and performance. Built from ultra-light, strong carbon-fiber materials usually used in Formula One racing, the boat weighs only 280 kilograms, drastically reducing weight compared to traditional rowboats. This lightweight yet sturdy construction enables prolonged ocean rowing missions with better wave handling.
The design approach focuses on marginal performance gains, critical for a durable and efficient vessel on such a demanding journey. The "sport of marginal gains" benefits significantly from the meticulous design and use of F1 technology, reducing daily frustrations and enhancing the brothers' endurance on the ocean.
The Maclean brothers have faced challenges during their voyage. Rapid shifts in weather systems pushed them further north from their planned course, making the journey the most testing for the brothers. One key challenge became a reality two weeks ago when Lachlan was swept overboard during a storm, but he was rescued by his eldest brother.
To prepare for the challenge, the brothers spent two years training, undergoing mental and physical preparation, including logistical feats such as home cooking and dehydrating over 1,000 meals. They worked with Chloe Lanthier, an elite multi-sport athlete and human physiology scientist for the NASA space program, to stay physically fit and mentally prepared.
Despite the hardships, the Maclean brothers have been able to stay positive, finding moments of joy in the harshest of times. They have live-streamed a bagpipe performance from the boat for the All-American Rejects during their headline act at Fandom's Comic-Con party and conversed with celebrities such as Mark McGregor, who has expressed interest in a film adaptation of their journey. McGregor has also promised to join the brothers for a row once they return home to Scotland.
The brothers' Instagram account has surpassed 133,000 followers, documenting their journey in real-time. On July 27, they posted an emotional video discussing the intense mental strain they have faced during this final stretch. Actor Mark McGregor has expressed interest in a film adaptation of the Maclean brothers' journey.
The Maclean brothers' Pacific Ocean row is a testament to human endurance, innovation, and the power of teamwork. As they approach the end of their journey, the world watches in anticipation, cheering them on as they strive to set a world record and raise £1m for clean water projects in Madagascar.
[1] Ocean Rowing Company: https://oceanrowing.co.uk/ [3] Formula One Technology: https://www.formula1.com/ [5] The Maclean brothers' podcast, "Dinner with the Macleans": https://anchor.fm/dinnerwiththemacleans
- The brothers' boat, Emily-Rose, is a testament to innovation and performance, built using Formula One technology and lightweight carbon-fiber materials.
- The Maclean brothers have leveraged technology not just in their boat, but also in their training, working with Chloe Lanthier, an expert in human physiology from the NASA space program.
- Their adventure-travel across the Pacific Ocean has been documented on social media, attracting over 133,000 followers and even catching the attention of celebrities like Mark McGregor, who has expressed interest in a film adaptation of their journey.
- The Maclean brothers' Pacific Ocean row exemplifies human endurance, teamwork, and the potential for technology to enhance our sports and lifestyle experiences.
