The three Scottish brothers from Edinburgh, who spent their summer holidays in the Highlands are Ewan the engineer, Jamie the designer/builder and passionate cook, as well as the youngest sibling Lachlan – a philosopher. The three had no established rowing background, bar a spot of mackerel fishing and ambitions to catch lobster in a humble wooden rowing boat. What they did have was a desire to live a full life and give something back. The idea of extreme rowing for the common good was born.
Atlantic adventure
Prior to Covid they had participated in the Talisker sponsored Atlantic Rowing Challenge, a 3,000-mile extreme endurance competition where rowers cross the Atlantic unaccompanied. After 35 days, 9 hours and 9 minutes at sea, they arrived in Antigua having broken the speed record for a trio, whilst at the same time raising over £200,000 for charity. During Covid the brothers established the Maclean Foundation, allowing them to continue creating a positive impact in the world. Working with charitable partners such as Feedback Madagascar, they focus on the provision of clean water projects in communities that need it most.
The success of the Atlantic experience whet their appetite to do something even more compelling and they decided to row the Pacific Ocean; a non-stop and unsupported 9,000-mile crossing from Peru to Australia. It took years of planning and preparation, both physically, mentally, and of course from an organisational perspective. The trio worked with a sports’ performance scientist Chloë Lanthier who has worked with the likes of NASA, Paris Saint-Germain football team, and Rafael Nadal, whilst also preparing other athletes for extreme expeditions. This preparation included gym workouts to improve strength, endurance, and leg oxygenation, but also open water rowing, swimming and simulation of worst-case scenarios such as capsizes and man overboard.
Family ties
Being siblings meant that the brothers were familiar with certain interaction, but rowing in a carbon fibre boat under extreme conditions is something no familiarity, however strong, can prepare you for. Rowing 9,000 miles is a journey few of us can imagine. The sheer vastness and the formidable natural forces on an open ocean with the overwhelming task to cross it by rowing is barely comprehensible. Looking out for each other both physically and mentally is paramount if such an endeavour is to be safe and a success. Music played a part to keep spirits high and was rationed as a kind of reward – a set of bagpipes was also at hand.
Food was equally of immense importance, both as a form of sustenance as well as a form of comfort. The task to maintain adequate nutrition over an almost five-month journey required precise planning. The role of nutrition on the body, but also on the mind, was of utmost importance for the success of the journey. Jamie, an avid cook, was in charge of this and was keen to have as much homecooked food produce on board as possible. He freeze-dried the food which totalled almost 600 kilograms at the start of the trip. Jamie worked with Arbuckle’s Farm near Dundee who are specialised in freeze-drying fruits.
Why clean water?
The importance of clean water cannot be overstated. The provision of clean water for drinking is an obvious benefit but also the building of sanitary facilities in communities means that disease is prevented as good hygiene exists. In the south-east region of Madagascar approximately 80% of people live without clean water.
By building accessible wells and sanitary facilities better health and improved child development becomes possible. This means that young people, especially girls who are often tasked with the time-consuming task of fetching water from distant wells, can attend school and gain an improved level of education. A good education opens myriad paths that otherwise would not be possible and offers the chance for a better socio-economic future which benefits the individual, their families and the larger community.
Success and the future
The brothers are looking to write a book about their experiences both from the Atlantic and the Pacific crossings. Having returned from Australia early September after successfully completing their 139-day adventure, they are still processing their incredible journey and the impact and success their mission has had. Fittingly, their mum was in Australia upon their arrival, no doubt immensely relieved to welcome her three sons onto land. The Pacific crossing was remarkably successful and has raised over £1mn.
The brothers are exceptional role models for young people who are looking to do something purposeful and making a meaningful contribution to improve the lives of others both at home and further afield. Talks at schools are something they are planning to do, as well as readjusting to life on land which includes warm showers, clean beds and time to contemplate new adventures.
Donations can be made under the Maclean Foundation.
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