Latest news with #EwanMaclean
ABC News
19 hours ago
- ABC News
Three Scottish brothers near halfway in world record rowing attempt
Three Scottish brothers rowing across the Pacific Ocean have almost reached the halfway point in their 14,000-kilometre journey. They are aiming to break a world record by becoming the first trio to complete the trip, non-stop and unsupported, from Lima, the capital of Peru, to Sydney within 120 days. An ambitious goal amid broken gear, blistered hands, and extreme isolation onboard their custom-built $100,000 vessel. "The first five weeks were really, really tough," Lachlan Maclean told ABC News. "I think if we knew those first five weeks were gonna [sic] be like that, we maybe wouldn't have done it, to be honest," he laughed. It has been nearly 60 days since they set off and the challenges are ongoing. "We've had an ongoing problem with our primary water tank. It's not just been that though, it's been a bunch of other things. Autohelm [a type of self-steering system] was packing in. We had power issues from the solar panels. Been a myriad of technical issues," Ewan Maclean said. "Fortunately, Ewan's an engineer," Lachlan added. With no engine, sail, or support crew, the brothers are surviving on 500 kilograms of freeze-dried home-cooked meals, prepared by Jamie, including 75 kilograms of oats and a menu of high-calorie comfort meals. "The one sad realisation we had the other day is that we've kind of only got home-cooked food for maybe 80 to 100 days. And then we'll be relying on the store-bought stuff that we have as backup," Jamie said. "We've got a finite amount of gas, so we're probably going to be eating them cold as well," Lachlan said. "The last few weeks are going to be brutal." But despite the discomfort, morale and their sense of adventure remain afloat. "We've caught a couple [of] fish. We caught a wahoo yesterday, which we've been enjoying — we had so much meat off it," Ewan said. "Shooting stars every night. You'll see a dozen at least. We've had some kind of meteorites, especially earlier on in the crossing with a lot of bioluminescence," Lachlan said. "It's like the oars became lightsabres and you could see these little explosions of bioluminescence behind the boat. It's a really magical moment." With no toilet on board, the brothers have been using a bucket. They lost the spare backup in the first week. "Come to think of it, it's probably the only moment in the day that you actually get a little bit of a rest, because there's no other seats like that," Jamie said. "There's no other seat — you're either sitting on a rowing seat or you're standing, bouncing about the place." At the time of this interview, the brothers were approaching the Marquesas Islands, which are in the South Pacific Ocean, and are part of French Polynesia. "I think after the Marquesas we're expecting that we might get slightly stronger wind, maybe some slightly bigger conditions, which to be honest we're actually quite excited [about]," Lachlan said. "As long as it's going with us, we're excited about it because the boat is basically a large surfboard." Approaching rougher waters, Ewan was quick to outline the need for diligence. "Over the next coming weeks and as we get into Australia … this is where it could all go wrong," Ewan said. Overall, physically, the brothers say they feel really good. "We're all probably getting about four to five hours of sleep, but it's broken into two halves. So, you sleep for a bit, then you get up and row, and then you sleep a bit more, and then you row again. And then you're into the day shifts," Lachlan said. Ewan, Lachlan and Jamie are hoping to raise $2 million for clean drinking water projects in Madagascar. They've raised just over $180,000 so far. "We're actually really happy for where we are in the crossing. We're hoping that a lot of the fundraising will take place in the last, kind of, 10 per cent of the trip," Lachlan said. The brothers are aiming to arrive in Sydney Harbour in early August — if all goes to plan.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg praises 'inspirational' Edinburgh brothers and hints their story could be a movie
Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg has praised three Edinburgh brothers attempting a world-record-breaking row across the Pacific Ocean – even hinting that their story could one day make it to the big screen. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In a surprise video call with the brothers – Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan Maclean – Wahlberg threw his support behind their mission to row 9,000 miles non-stop and unsupported from Peru to Australia to raise funds for clean water projects in Madagascar. Speaking to the brothers, who are now on day 54 into their row, Mark Wahlberg said: 'You're badasses doing something no one else would even think of. This could be a movie. The best films I've done are based on true stories — ordinary people doing extraordinary things. No way I'd row an ocean, but I'd play one of you guys in a movie. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Eldest brother Ewan Maclean, said receiving a video call from Mark Wahlberg was 'bloody surreal' | Submitted 'What you guys are doing is next level. You're living out a sense of purpose – combining passion with impact. That's rare, and it's humbling to watch. People need to hear about what you're doing. I couldn't be more inspired by the grit, the determination, the resiliency. 'What you guys are doing for such an amazing cause, and how hard you're willing to sacrifice yourself and your own wellbeing for the good of others, is so inspiring. For you guys to do this under your own free will – it's pretty crazy. Some would say we might need to give you a couple of psychological examinations.' The actor, who owns restaurants in Sydney and the Gold Coast, also promised the brothers a meal at the finish line, which will be a welcome reward after four months or so of freeze-dried meals. The film star added: 'We'll have a meal waiting for you. My gosh, by that time, we may even be down there to welcome you.' The Macleans expect to spend more than 100 days on board their 28-foot carbon fibre boat, Rose Emily, named in memory of their late sister. With no engine, no sail, and no support crew, they row in two-hour shifts, surviving on freeze-dried meals and desalinated water. The trio have over 5,000 miles still to go to reach Sydney and more than £900,000 left to raise towards their £1 million target. But the brothers said having a the call with one of their heroes was a welcome and 'surreal' boost. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ewan Maclean, 33, who left his job as a Dyson engineer to help design and build the boat., said: 'It's been much harder than we expected, but today we had dolphins surfing near the boat, and that lifted our spirits — and then we hear we get to speak to Mark Wahlberg, so spirits are absolutely through the roof. 'We are such big fans, and speaking to him is like a dream come true for us. It's so cool… but it's bloody surreal.' Lachlan, who will turn 28 next week and is the youngest of the trio added: 'We're all operating in such little sleep that we thought it all could have been a hallucination.' The brothers, who previously set three world records rowing the Atlantic in 2020, are rowing for The Maclean Foundation, their charity supporting clean water projects in Madagascar. Supporters can follow their journey and donate to their cause via their website and to watch the full video call with Mark Wahlberg by visiting Youtube.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Mark Wahlberg tells Scots brothers their Pacific rowing bid ‘could be a movie'
As well as aiming to set a record for the fastest row across the world's largest ocean, the brothers are hoping to raise £1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar. Wahlberg told the brothers that he was 'so inspired' by their undertaking, which has seen them battle salt sores, relentless weather and broken equipment during more than seven weeks at sea. 'You're badasses doing something no one else would think of', he told them. 'This could be a movie. The best films I've done are based on true stories – ordinary people doing extraordinary things. 'No way I'd row an ocean, but I'd play one of you guys in a movie.' He added: 'What you guys are doing is next level. You're living out a sense of purpose – combining passion with impact. 'That's rare, and it's humbling to watch. People need to hear about what you're doing.' Ewan Maclean told the actor that speaking to him from the middle of the Pacific was 'probably the most surreal situation I've ever been in'. Lachlan added: 'We're operating on such little sleep that we thought it could all have been a hallucination.' Wahlberg responded that he 'couldn't be more inspired by the grit, the determination, the resiliency' that the brothers were showing. The Maclean brothers described speaking to Mark Wahlberg from the middle of the Pacific Ocean as 'surreal' (The Maclean Brothers/PA) He continued: 'What you guys are doing for such an amazing cause, and how hard you're willing to sacrifice yourself and your own wellbeing for the good of others, is so inspiring. 'For you guys to do this under your own free will – it's pretty crazy. Some would say we might need to give you a couple of psychological examinations.' Wahlberg, who owns restaurants in Sydney and the Gold Coast, also told the brothers he would 'have a meal waiting for you' at the finish line. Asked about conditions so far, Ewan replied that 'it's been much harder than expected', but that earlier that day they had seen 'dolphins surfing near the boat, and that lifted our spirits'. Wahlberg quipped: 'You guys are probably getting a lot more sunshine than you're used to at home.' He added: 'I've been fortunate enough to visit a couple of times and it's a beautiful, beautiful country. So you guys are making your homeland proud.' The brothers expect to spend more than 100 days on board their 28-foot carbon fibre boat, named Rose Emily in honour of their late sister. Supporters can follow their journey and donate to their cause at target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>
Edinburgh Live
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh brothers who rowed across the Atlantic tell their story in new STV documentary
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh brothers who crossed the Atlantic in a 28-foot-boat are featuring in a new documentary that tells their story. The Maclean Brothers, who are currently on another journey across the Pacific Ocean, set out on their 3,000-mile Atlantic journey back in 2019 with no rowing experience. The STV documentary tells their tale of family, positivity and adventure. Out of Our Depth: Three Brothers in a Boat includes candid recounts from the brothers, including stories of seasickness and slapstick. Speaking from the middle of the Pacific, 33-year-old Ewan Maclean, the eldest brother, said: 'It was all completely new to us. You know what it's like - you have an idea and you just get carried away. We were working, studying, juggling other things. 'It was eye-opening watching the documentary and realising how much we've changed. Our preparations really were piss poor. In many ways, watching it was a wake up call. If we're going to row an ocean three times as long as the Atlantic, we couldn't go into it half-cocked. 'We're so grateful to Lost Clock. They've told our story - and continue to tell our story - in the most incredible way. Before we left, we watched it with our family and friends. There was everything from roaring laughter to genuine tears.' Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Their Atlantic journey broke three world records, as they became the first trio of brothers to row any ocean. They were also the fastest, and youngest, trio to row the Atlantic. Jamie Maclean, 31, said: 'I don't think people ever experience the clarity of thought you get at sea in normal life. It changed the direction of our lives. We thought it would be a one-off adventure, but it made us re-evaluate our purpose. We realised we wanted to do something together and make a real impact. "Everything we're doing now is in service of providing clean water to communities living in poverty - especially in Madagascar, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.' Youngest brother Lachlan (26) added: 'It was emotional watching the documentary with Mum. It made us really think about how our choices affect others. We've always been close as a family, but this brought us even closer. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. 'It's a strange feeling seeing your life played back to you. There were definitely embarrassing moments, but we couldn't have imagined it would turn out the way it did. 'We've got a laptop with us, so we're going to re-watch it today. It's the one bit of TV we're letting ourselves watch for 100+ days. That probably sounds egotistical to be watching ourselves - but honestly, it'll be emotional and it's a great way to see our family while we're thousands of miles away. Importantly there's only one episode, which means no risk of a binge-watch derailing the row.' Richard Williams, Managing Director of Digital at STV, added: "The Maclean brothers are a truly inspirational group of Scots and their story of perseverance in the face of adversity is one that I know STV Player viewers will be totally gripped by. Giving a platform to homegrown stories like this is important to us, and every incredible twist and turn of the trio's heroic charity row is streaming now for free.'
