RGS Talks Reflections: Jess Rowe

LAST WEEK (19TH MARCH 2026), WE WERE PRIVILEGED TO WELCOME JESS ROWE, ONE HALF OF THE RECORD-BREAKING SEAS THE DAY TEAM, INTO THE RGS MILLER THEATRE TO SHARE HER INCREDIBLE STORY OF DETERMINATION, ADVENTURE AND COURAGE.

“Adventure has been part of my life since childhood,” Jess began, recalling climbing in Wales with her dad, long days on the water, and watching ocean‑rowing teams finish the Atlantic race while she worked on superyachts in Antigua.   

Those experiences, she explained, planted the seed for what would become the greatest challenge of her life. 

She candidly recounted her and teammate Miriam Payne’s extraordinary 8,000‑mile, 165‑day nonstop and unsupported row across the Pacific - a journey that demanded grit, resilience, and unwavering trust in one another. 

Their expedition was far from smooth. Just 300 miles into their first attempt, a critical rudder failure sent them back to shore. On the restart, further issues followed: burst water‑maker pipes and dwindling power.  

“But it was our partnership that kept us going,” Jess explained. “We didn’t want to let each other down.” 

RGS and Westfield students were captivated by photos and videos of the team's life on board as well as Jess's reflections on the final hours of their row into Cairns, Australia, when strong winds threatened to push them off course after six months at sea. 

“We genuinely thought we might not make it,” she admitted - a reminder that even the strongest adventurers face moments of doubt. 

Jess also spoke about the importance of mindset, of choosing optimism, and of saying “yes” to opportunities that scare us. She encouraged students to embrace challenges, to pursue experiences that push them beyond their comfort zone, and to trust in their own capabilities even when the odds feel impossible. 

"Adventure begins with a single decision - and that extraordinary things are possible when you believe in yourself, support others, and keep going, even when the way forward seems impossible." 

We are deeply grateful to Jess for sharing her story with such honesty and warmth.