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The Coxless Crew world-record breaking journey across the Pacific Ocean with Kent's Meg Dyos on the oars

After spending 10 months at sea, all female British rowing team The Coxless Crew have made history with their arrival into Cairns, Australia.

Meg Dyos, who was born in Ramsgate, was on the oars as the team completed their 8,500 mile journey.

They are the first female team and the first team in a four-person boat to row the Pacific Ocean.

Meg Dyos from Ramsgate and fellow crew arriving in Cairns
Meg Dyos from Ramsgate and fellow crew arriving in Cairns

The grueling 8,446 miles from San Francisco to Cairns has not been easy.

The adventure has seen them battle heavy storms, huge waves and food rationing, as well as encountering flying fish, humpback whales and sharks.

All in a 29ft, bright pink rowing boat called Doris.

"It's the best thing in the world sharing every moment with someone, and the moment we step off of Doris, I know that it is quite unlikely that I will ever share a space as small as this with anyone else..." Meg Dyos

Writing in the team's blog on Friday, Ms Dyos said: "Whether it is the constant conveyor belt of passing items to each other from one end of the boat to the other, to rowing in time with each other, to sharing the space of the aft cabin, it requires a team mentality and really there is no space for just thinking of yourself on Doris.

"It's the best thing in the world sharing every moment with someone, and the moment we step off of Doris, I know that it is quite unlikely that I will ever share a space as small as this with anyone else.

"So, on what looks like my last time, lying under the port hatch writing a blog from the Pacific Ocean, I thank you for reading, and following us in our journey across this almighty ocean, and I look forward to writing more from land."

The crew arrived into Cairns today.

The women have taken on this challenge in order to raise funds and awareness for two UK charities; Walking With The Wounded and Breast Cancer Care.

Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Care Samia al Qadhi said: “I’d like to congratulate The Coxless Crew on their incredible achievement.

"Rowing the Pacific Ocean in a four-person boat has taken a huge amount of dedication and hard work but every penny they raise for us will make a real difference to the lives of people affected by breast cancer.”

The women have rowed 8,446 miles from San Francisco to Cairns. Picture: Sarah Moshman
The women have rowed 8,446 miles from San Francisco to Cairns. Picture: Sarah Moshman
Losing sight of shore, Doris the pink rowing boat
Losing sight of shore, Doris the pink rowing boat

The Coxless Crew’s Pacific Ocean row was a huge endurance adventure, with two hours on the oars and two hours off 24 hours a day.

The women have burnt over 5,000 calories a day and endured seasickness and physical and mental exhaustion.

Co-founder and CEO of Walking With The Wounded Edward Parker said: “What these women have achieved in the past ten months is undoubtedly remarkable.

"I know you’ve reached a particularly challenging point in your journey, so I want you to know – we want you to know – that we’re right behind you..." Kylie Minogue

"We are immensely proud of them and the funds raised will provide vulnerable veterans who have had to face adversity and overcome life changing events, independence through employment.”

Pop superstar Kylie Minogue is also patron of the Coxless Crew’s epic challenge.

Speaking recently in a special video message to the women Kylie said: “It’s been (10) months at sea which is just mind-blowing.

"I know you’ve reached a particularly challenging point in your journey, so I want you to know – we want you to know – that we’re right behind you, as are, most importantly, Breast Cancer Care and Walking With The Wounded.

"They appreciate every last drop of blood, sweat and tears you’re putting into this. Cairns is waiting for you."

As well as support from the pop icon Kylie Minogue, sporting greats and adventure legends including Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Sir Steve Redgrave, Chrissie Wellington, Heather Stanning and Naomi Riches already support the team.

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