Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News > OP News > The Great Pacific Escapade!

The Great Pacific Escapade!

In the next couple of months OP Jess Rowe (2010-13) will embark on an adventure of such epic proportions that more people have walked in space than have completed this challenge!
20 Feb 2025
Written by Sue Carpenter
OP News
The crew of Velocity
The crew of Velocity

OP Jess and her fellow crew mate Miriam Payne are attempting to row non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean.  It's a journey in excess of 8000 miles from Peru to Australia.

The journey, which could mean up to 6 months at sea involves rowing for up to 15 hours a day while coping with waves of over 30ft, safely navigating shipping lanes and encountering Whales, Sharks and other marine life.  The girls will need to consume 5000 calories a day just to stay on top of the physical effort involved.  There is of course a very important third member of the team and that is their fantastic ocean rowing boat, aptly named Velocity.  The boat is fully equipped with the essentials such as food and water desalinator, navigation systems, survival equipment and solar panels to power the various systems onboard.

As well as coping with the perils of such an extreme challenge Jess and Miriam will also be raising money for The Outward Bound Trust who use the outdoors to teach the most important lesson that young people can ever learn: to believe in themselves.  The trust has long been at the forefront of outdoor education, empowering young people through challenging outdoor experiences that build resilience, confidence and leadership skills.  All attributes that are seen in abundance in Pangbournians.

Velocity and all her equipment has departed for Peru in a 40 foot container and should hopefully arrive in the country at the end of February, just ahead of the crew. 

We will of course be keeping you up to date with the teams progress but if you would like to find out more about their epic adventure then click on  the link below:

https://www.seasthedayoceanrowing.com

 

 

Similar stories

In Memoriam

You are warmly welcomed to leave a message below, share your memories and celebrate the life of Richard Hughes Young (1953-63) who we sadly lost in 2025. More...

OPs made their debut at The Jarvis Cup, a doubles Padel competition for public school alumni over 50 which took place on… More...

The OP Society held the first committee meeting of 2025 at OP Claire Morphy’s (1990 - 92) offices on Tuesday 25th Februa… More...

On 13th February ten OPs and their spouses met for lunch and the chance to reminisce. More...

You are warmly welcomed to leave a message below, share your memories and celebrate the life of Richard Marsden (1953-57… More...

Most read

In Memoriam

You are warmly welcomed to leave a message below, share your memories and celebrate the life of Richard Hughes Young (1953-63) who we sadly lost in 20… More...

Have your say