Norfolk Broads boatbuilder helps rowers restart Pacific challenge

A rural boatbuilder has come to the aid of two women who were forced to postpone their attempt to row from Peru to Australia after part of their boat broke.

Miriam Payne, 25, from East Yorkshire, and Jess Rowe, 28, from Hampshire, set off from Peru on 8 April to row 8,000 miles (12,875 km) across the Pacific.

Yet they had to return to Lima after rowing 350 miles (563km) when the rudder of their boat, Velocity, snapped in heavy storms.

Southgates Boatyard, based in Horning on the Norfolk Broads, heard of the news and worked round the clock to make a replacement after its staff felt “compelled to help”.

The pair were attempting to be the first crew to row non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean when their boat’s steering went awry and they spent nearly a week adrift.

They were eventually towed back to Lima to organise the boat repairs.

Specially crafted replacement rudders from Southgates Boatyard will now be flown out to the Peruvian capital to be fitted to the boat.

It is hoped the duo will be able to resume their fundraising challenge before 8 May in order to avoid the start of the Pacific’s cyclone season.

Chris Bunn, Southgates Boatyard manager, said: “When we heard about Jess and Miriam’s situation, we felt compelled to help.

“It’s inspiring to support such an incredible challenge, especially when it’s tied to deserving causes like the Outward Bound Trust.

“Our entire team is proud to have played a small part in their historic attempt.”

The Seas the Day team challenge was set up by Ms Payne and Ms Rowe to raise money for the Outward Bound Trust – a UK charity to teach children about adventuring and life skills.

Ms Payne said they were “so thankful” to the boatbuilder for its help.

“To design and produce specialist rudders in such a short time and arrange for them to be flown out to us in Lima is nothing short of amazing,” she said.

“Without their help, we wouldn’t be able to continue our mission.”

The pair had been posting daily video diaries on social media, with their journey originally expected to take about six months.