All-female British foursome claims Pacific rowing record

The crew smashed a previous record for rowing from San Francisco to Hawaii

The Ocean Sheroes have completed a 2,800-mile crossing
Author: Alistair Mason, PAPublished 6th Jul 2021

A Portsmouth woman is among four British women who have set a new record for the fastest crossing from San Francisco to Hawaii by an all-female rowing crew.

The Ocean Sheroes completed the 2,800-mile crossing in 35 days, 14 hours and 32 minutes - becoming in the process the first all-British foursome to complete the Great Pacific Race.

The team comprises Mary Sutherland from Portsmouth, Bella Collins from Falmouth, Purusha Gordon from Luckington in Wiltshire, and Lily Lower of Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex.

Ms Sutherland said: "These ladies didn't disappoint.

"We spent a lot of time learning each other's motivations, personal goals and personalities are important living in such close quarters and intense conditions.

"Throw in a general 'get it done' attitude and you have a recipe for great things.''

The crew beat the previous record by an all-female crew, which stood at 50 days, eight hours and 14 minutes, by two full weeks.

Only 22 teams have ever completed the Great Pacific race, which began in 2014.

Mother-of-two Ms Gordon said: "Whilst the certificate will hang on the wall, it's the experience, stories and learnings that will continue to shape me for the better.

"I hope, I can inspire other mums and women out there to be brave, say yes and believe they can too.''