Maclean brothers to publish book on record-breaking Pacific row after signing Canongate deal

The Maclean brothers, the Scottish trio who completed the fastest row across the Pacific, are set to publish a first-hand account of their record-breaking row.

Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan Maclean spent 139 days at sea, rowing more than 9,000 miles non-stop and unsupported, setting a new world record for the fastest human-powered crossing of the Pacific Ocean.

Three Brothers in a Boat recounts the brothers’ journey across the Pacific, and will be released by Canongate in autumn 2026.

The Macleans marked the completion of the manuscript by emerging from a self-imposed writing retreat at their croft in Assynt to headline a Celtic Connections show at Edinburgh’s Old Fruitmarket.

The hometown concert featured guest appearances from Ross Ainslie and Duncan Chisholm, Valtos, RURA, Siobhan Miller, Sorren Maclean, and Hannah Fisher.

Eldest brother Ewan said the book allowed them to explore “the deeper impact of an experience that changed our lives”.

He said: “There’s so much more than meets the eye on a journey like this. What people see online is really just the tip of the iceberg. Writing this book has been a privilege.

“It has allowed us to explore everything beneath the surface: the years of preparation, the emotional reality of rowing together as brothers, and the deeper impact of an experience that changed our lives. We’re absolutely thrilled to be telling that story with Canongate.”

Youngest brother Lachlan, who turned 27 while at sea, added: “If you’d told us in April, before we left Peru, that we’d come back as world-record breakers, published authors and Celtic Connections headliners, we’d have laughed.

“We live in a world obsessed with rushing on to the next thing before we’ve properly arrived. This book has given us the chance to stop, take stock and properly reflect on what got us through the Pacific, what we miss about life at sea, and what we missed about life at home, as well as what we learned along the way.”

The Pacific row raised more than £1m for the Maclean Foundation, which provides clean water for life to 40,000 people in Madagascar.

High-profile supporters, including Mark Wahlberg, Ewan McGregor, Lorraine Kelly, Flea, Ben Fogle, Greg Hemphill, and Sam Heughan, participated in virtual events during the row, sharing meals and messages with the trio.

Wahlberg has reportedly discussed a potential film adaptation with the brothers.

Helena Gonda, editorial director at Canongate Books, said: “The Maclean brothers are modern-day adventurers, and their record-breaking story is deeply inspiring. We’re proud to welcome them to Canongate and share their extraordinary journey with readers.”