LIMA, Peru: Two British women, Miriam Payne (25) and Jess Rowe (28) have restarted their bold journey to row 8,000 miles non-stop across the Pacific Ocean.

They want to be the first female team to do it without any support. Last month, their boat, Velocity, broke its rudder 350 miles off the coast of Peru, forcing them to stop.

They were stuck in rough waters, but after a dramatic rescue by their friend Alec Hughes, they managed to get to safety for repairs.

Despite the setback, they're determined to continue. Payne said, "We're trying to see it as a positive, like a tough sea trial," adding that they worked well together during the stressful situation.

The rescue involved an international effort. Alec sailed for two days to help them and spent another week towing the boat to port for repairs. A boatyard in Norfolk worked overnight to make new rudders, which arrived just in time to avoid the Pacific cyclone season.

Now back on track, Payne and Rowe are ready to take on the whole 8,000-mile journey from Lima to Australia. They'll row in shifts, carrying only essentials like solar panels, a water desalinator, and enough food to fuel them for 5,000 calories a day. A meteorologist will also guide them.

The challenge is formidable. Along with crossing busy shipping lanes, they'll face storms, sharks, whales, and even pirate fishing boats. They'll also deal with physical challenges like blisters and salt sores. Both women previously completed a tough Atlantic row — Payne winning the solo women's race and Rowe as part of a team.

They hope this challenge will inspire others, especially young people and women. They aim to raise 50,000 pounds (US$66,355) for the Outward Bound Trust, which helps kids build skills through adventure.

"I feel like everybody would enjoy it if they tried it, but people don't try it," Rowe said. "Hopefully, we can inspire more people and more children to spend more time outdoors, stepping outside of their comfort zone, being curious." ($1 = 0.7535 pounds).