Three brothers raise over $147K for charity by rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in just 35 days

Three brothers from Scotland made history last week as they set three world records by rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in just 35 days. Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan MacLean are now the first three brothers to row any ocean, as well as the fastest and youngest trio to row across the Atlantic. Previously, the record for the fastest a trio rowed the Atlantic Ocean was 41 days. Known as BROAR—a combination of "brother" and "oar"—the MacLeans set off from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands on December 12 and finished their epic journey in style on Thursday as they arrived at Nelson's Harbour in Antigua in the Caribbean playing the bagpipes.

According to BBC, the brothers—originally from Edinburgh—finished third in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, beating several teams of four and five in the process. Their journey was by no means a walk in the park as, in addition to the rough conditions at sea, they spent the last 20 days of their adventure without any music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Their iPhone cables couldn't hold up to the damage caused by a combination of sun and seawater. Fortunately, having equipped their rowing boat with a bagpipe, harmonica, and ukelele, the brothers were able to keep themselves entertained.

Breaking world records in rowing wasn't the only motive the brothers had for embarking on this grueling journey. The MacLeans hope to raise awareness and money for charities Children 1st and Feedback Madagascar with their epic story and as of the time of writing this article, have raised a total of £113,065 (about $147,116). According to Daily Mail, speaking of the brothers' amazing journey, 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," Glasgow added. Jamie Spencer OBE, managing director of Feedback Madagascar, revealed that every £5,000 (approximately $6500) raised by the brothers will help pay for a freshwater borehole for a village in Madagascar that gives over 3,000 villagers access to freshwater. "Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan are an amazing team, it seems like there's nothing they can't do. Their strength and determination have helped them beat this record at the same time as saving and transforming lives with every stroke," said Jamie.

The MacLean brothers overcame seasickness, battery issues, storms, dehydration, and exhaustion to reach Antigua in 35 days, nine hours, and nine minutes. While the eldest of the trio, 27-year-old Ewan, initially needed some convincing to embark on the journey, he's now grateful to have been a part of the adventure. Jamie and Lachlan, students at the Glasgow University and Glasgow School of Art respectively, persuaded Ewan—a design engineer for Dyson in Bristol— to take a sabbatical from work and join them in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

"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," said Ewan.