They’re Back on the Water: Two Women, One Boat, and the Pacific Ocean

That’s the challenge Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne (aka Seas the Day) have set themselves. These two remarkable women are attempting to become the first all-female team, and the first ever pair, to row the entire Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported. From the coast of Peru to the shores of Australia, this is a feat that demands grit, resilience, and a relentless belief in what’s possible.

It’s no surprise they’ve chosen to raise funds for The Outward Bound Trust along the way.

Because what Jess and Miriam are doing is exactly what we champion at Outward Bound: pushing beyond limits, drawing strength from challenge, and discovering that you’re capable of more than you ever thought possible.

A Setback and a Comeback

The duo originally launched from La Punta, Peru earlier on 8 April, waving goodbye to land with the Peruvian Navy’s band playing them out and the drizzle of rain offering maritime good luck. But just days into their journey, and 300 miles from shore, a broken rudder forced them to deploy their para anchor and be towed back to port.

For many, that might have been the end of the adventure.

Not for Jess and Mims.

With the support of Southgate Boat Yard and ocean rower Alec, they turned things around fast and on 6 May, they relaunched their epic journey. The boat is fixed, the team is focused, and they are once again rowing into the unknown.

Life on the Pacific

For the next 150–200 days, the pair will row in two-hour shifts, 15 hours a day. They'll eat 5,000 calories daily, battle 30-foot waves, navigate shipping lanes, endure salt sores and sleep deprivation - and still find time to marvel at wildlife, night skies and the raw, humbling beauty of life at sea.

Their vessel, Velocity, is a 9m Rossiter Ocean 2 rowing boat. It’s stocked with over 200 days of food, microgreens grown onboard (thanks to Home Harvest), and equipment designed to help them stay strong, safe and well - including British-developed vitamin sprays and a Nurosym system to support calmness and performance through neuromodulation.

But perhaps most importantly, the boat carries a sense of purpose.

Why They’re Rowing for Outward Bound

Both Jess and Miriam are no strangers to big challenges. They met during preparations for the Atlantic row, an event they both completed in record-breaking fashion. But this Pacific attempt is about more than just setting records. It’s about showing what’s possible when you dare to believe in yourself and helping young people across the UK find that belief through Outward Bound.

Their goal is to raise £50,000 to support our work, giving more young people access to transformative outdoor experiences that build confidence, leadership, and resilience. At Outward Bound, we know the outdoors is one of the greatest classrooms there is. Jess and Miriam are living proof of that.

How You Can Support

They’ve already faced high seas, broken gear, and unexpected delays - including hefty costs from customs issues in Peru. Yet they’ve stayed the course.

Now it’s our turn to back them.