The Maclean Brothers
The Maclean Brothers - Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan
Video - The Maclean Brothers: Rowing 2 Oceans, 12,000 Miles - The ultimate adventure
Speaking Topics
Resilience
Action over hesitation
Motivation/Inspiration
Overcoming adversity
Teamwork
Bio
Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan Maclean are three Scottish brothers who grew up with a shared love of adventure. In 2019, they rowed over 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean - from the Canary Islands to Antigua - completing the crossing in 35 days. It was enough to break the previous speed record by nearly six days.
The experience left a mark. Rather than move on, the brothers wanted to find ways to keep working together on something that mattered. They set up a small family charity, The Maclean Foundation, with the aim of supporting causes they believe in. In 2022, a trip to Madagascar to visit water projects they'd helped fund gave them fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose.
That purpose found its expression in 2025, when the brothers spent 139 days rowing 9,750 miles across the Pacific Ocean, from Lima, Peru to Cairns, Australia. The journey was rarely straightforward. Tropical storms, seasickness, dwindling food supplies, and a man-overboard incident all tested them along the way. They arrived having broken the previous record by over 20 days, becoming the first team to row unsupported and non-stop from South America to Australia. Through the challenge, they raised over £1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar - enough to bring access to safe drinking water to more than 40,000 people.
Away from the water, the brothers speak to audiences about what they've learned - in corporate settings, schools, universities, and beyond. Their message is a straightforward one: that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things, and that you can help yourself in life by helping others. Having returned from the Pacific, they're now working on a book, keen to reflect more deeply on what these journeys have taught them.
For the Macleans, the rowing has always been a means to an end - a way of creating impact while doing something they love.
Director & Senior Lecturer, University of Bath
“They deliver one of the most impactful and inspiring talks I have witnessed in my academic career. Their story transcends sport or adventure – it is fundamentally about what humans can achieve when purpose, planning, and partnership align. The brothers have a gift for making the seemingly impossible feel achievable, not through bravado, but through fun, positivity, and honest reflection on preparation, teamwork, and persistence. I give them my highest recommendation.”
Chief Revenue Officer, ClearRoute
“It has been a privilege to work closely with the brothers as they’ve shared their story at various client and internal events we’ve hosted. Their humility, resilience, ambition, and selfless values continue to inspire everyone who hears them speak. I could not recommend them more highly to anyone looking for speakers who will truly move, motivate, and delight an audience.”
Rector, The Edinburgh Academy
“High energy, delivered with modesty and a great sense of humour, the Maclean brothers had our school in quiet awe as they talked about their Atlantic and Pacific rows. They made the 'impossible' feel possible and inspired our pupils to dare to think bigger, to dream and to be open to exciting challenges. Our young people need to be inspired. The Maclean brothers do exactly that.”
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