In 2015, four brave women set out on a journey that would change their lives—and inspire thousands around the world. The Coxless Crew became the first all-female team to row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean, a 257-day adventure covering over 8,000 miles of open water. Their mission: to prove the power of resilience, raise money for two charities, and redefine what women can achieve at sea.

A life before the ocean

One of the crew members, a former superyacht stewardess, shared how her yachting journey began in the Whitsunday Islands in 1996. She worked as a hostess on short cruises, but promised herself she’d return to the sea one day. Fifteen years later, she left her tourism career behind and joined the superyacht industry, working on three different boats and ending her career as Lead Stew on a 62m Feadship.

Highlights of her yachting life included deep friendships, memorable crew nights, and a strong connection with her final boat’s owner and their family. After one particularly demanding season, she treated her mother to a bucket-list trip to Uganda and Rwanda to see the gorillas—a priceless memory, despite the cost.

Leaving yachting for adventure

Eventually, a new opportunity emerged: managing a remote eco-lodge in Tanzania. Leaving the comfort and financial security of the yachting industry was a risk, but it opened the door to something even bigger—the Coxless Crew.

The Coxless Crew mission

The Coxless Crew’s expedition began in San Francisco and ended in Cairns, Australia, aboard a 29ft pink rowing boat named Doris. Their purpose? To raise awareness and funds for Walking With The Wounded and Breast Cancer Care, supporting those who have overcome major life adversity. Over the course of six months, they faced storms, isolation, mental and physical exhaustion, and the vastness of the Pacific.

Their story was documented in the film Losing Sight of Shore, now streaming on Netflix. The film captured not just the crossing, but the transformation each rower experienced.

Preparing for the impossible

The preparation involved mental resilience training, sleep deprivation tests, survival skills, logistics, team building, and finding sponsors. Each day brought new fears and excitement, but the shared goal kept them together.

Life onboard and lessons from yachting

Her time as a stewardess provided valuable lessons for life at sea. From daily “Quote of the Day” rituals to salsa dancing classes for crew and guests, she knew how to build morale in tight quarters. Though fitness on yachts was difficult due to long hours and limited free time, the endurance required for the Pacific row was on another level.

Life beyond the pacific

The Coxless Crew made history, but also sparked conversations about women’s achievements, resilience, and teamwork. The journey wasn’t just physical—it was deeply emotional and transformative.

Final words

Asked where she sees herself in 10 years, she answered: “I have no idea. Life is about living in the moment and enjoying the journey. I just know that I’d like to be happy, healthy, surrounded by people that I love and inspire me—and to be making a difference in whatever way I can.”

Follow their legacy:
Website: www.coxlesscrew.com
Film: Losing Sight of Shore on Netflix
Socials: Facebook & Twitter @coxlesscrew