Three Scottish brothers tried the entire Pacific Ocean with a 14,000-km rowing record.
The McLin Brothers – Ivan, Jamie and Lachland – aims to complete the fastest and unsupported journey ever from Peru to Sydney, Australia.
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They were cheering by supporters, ships of ships and Peruvian naval brass bands as they set off from Lima on Saturday.
The Edinburgh Brothers are expected to spend more than 120 days at sea, rowing in two-hour shifts without supply or safety boats.
McLean previously broke three world records in 2020.
Their latest attempt aims to raise a £1m clean water project in Madagascar.
“It’s absolutely daunting, but we’ve been ready for so long that we’re desperate to keep going.
“In many ways, we’re a little weird – I’m probably happier with the water. I’ve never been good at responding to emails, and now I have the best excuse in the world.”
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The night before departure, Lachlan was a vacuum-packed toilet to save cabin space, while the eldest brother Ewan was repairing a broken water truck.
“We usually forget what happened when we left on weekends, so it’s not without challenges to prepare for more than 120 days at sea,” said Ewan, 33, a former Dyson engineer.
“When the sailors went bankrupt, I thought the game was over – we couldn’t find another part, but thankfully I managed to fix it.
“All these years of working as an engineer come in handy.”
The brothers’ 280kg ship was built, one of the lightest and strongest marine rowing boats ever.
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It was named Rose Emily in memory of their unborn sister, whose name was hand-painted on the hull by her mother.
There are 500 kg of frozen food on board, including 75 kg of oats and a high-calorie cozy meal prepared by Jamie.
Meals include beef chili, Thai red curry and hagis, NEEP and heraldic – hopefully add fresh fish to the sea.
Jamie MacLean, 31, added: “We know it will be difficult for mom and dad, all three of us are isolated at sea.
“But they have been very supportive. Their efforts are as hard as we have to do, and we can’t wait to see them when we landed in Sydney Harbour.”
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The route spans approximately 14,000 km (8,700 miles), depending on the conditions.
McLean’s goal is to arrive in Australia on August 2.
