Three brothers have set a new record for a charity rowing race across the Atlantic
Three brothers from Scotland have set three world records after rowing the Atlantic Ocean in just 35 days, nine hours and nine minutes.
The trio, known as BROAR, set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12th last year and have now completed their 3,000-mile row to Antigua.
By finishing the voyage in record time, Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan MacLean became the first three brothers to row any ocean, and the youngest trio to ever row the Atlantic. So far, they have raised more than £100,000 for Children 1st and Feedback Madagascar.
Previously, the fastest a trio had ever rowed the Atlantic Ocean was 41 days.
The MacLean brothers overcame seasickness, battery issues, storms, dehydration and exhaustion to reach Antigua in record time.
What’s more, the brothers had to row the last 20 days without any music, podcasts or audiobooks, as their iPhone cables succumbed to damage caused by a combination of sun and seawater. However, being musicians, they kept themselves entertained with a bagpipe, harmonica and ukelele on board.
The three boys, who are originally from Edinburgh, finished third overall (first among trios) in this year's Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, beating many teams of four and five.
Jamie and Lachlan, students at the University of Glasgow and Glasgow School of Art respectively, convinced their brother Ewan, a design engineer for Dyson in Bristol, to take a sabbatical from work to make this world record attempt.
The 27-year-old said: “They had to twist my arm but I will be forever grateful to my brothers for convincing me to do this.
“This was, without doubt, the defining experience of my life. It was incredibly difficult but the way we came together, the way our bodies and minds coped with every single challenge, will stay with me for a long time.
“It definitely tested our relationship, but it was remarkable how we were able to lift each other up as we struggled. It’s brought us closer together, although I am looking forward to getting to see and talk to some different people!
“We don’t do things by halves, so we were always going to go for a World Record. I’m incredibly proud of beating the record, but mostly, I’m proud of the money we’ve raised for charity and the difference we’ll make to two causes very close to our hearts.
"Who knows what comes next. We'll be eyeing up other oceans...”
Now they’ve smashed a world record, BROAR hope to smash their fundraising target of £250,000 for Feedback Madagascar and Children First.
MD of Feedback Madagascar, Jamie Spencer OBE, said: "Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan are an amazing team, it seems like there's nothing they can't do.
"Their strength and determination has helped them beat this record at the same time as saving and transforming lives with every stroke. Every £5,000 raised pays for a freshwater borehole for a village in Madagascar - that's freshwater for 3,000 people so far, and rising."
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children 1st said: “A massive congratulations to Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan for this incredible feat. We are so delighted that they decided to support Children 1st while taking on this challenge. The BROAR brothers’ amazing achievement means that we will be able to help more families with early support and advice at the touch of a button through Children 1st’s Parentline.”
Thanks to a combination of events and support from individuals and businesses across the world who’ve been inspired by their row, including Panda Brew, Cairnhill Structures, Nairn's Oatcakes and Mackie's of Scotland, the brothers are more than halfway towards their fundraising total.
The MacLean developed a love for the outdoors during summers spent in Nedd in the Highlands. Once they come home to Scotland, they plan to head back to Nedd to plan their next adventure.
You can see how the BROAR brothers are adapting to life back on land by following their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn pages.
To donate, find TEAM BROAR on Virgin Money Giving.
