Update: 2 July 2025
South African ocean explorer Chris Bertish has made the difficult decision to delay his ambitious solo Pacific crossing until 2026, just days after setting sail on what was meant to be a record-breaking 2,800-nautical-mile voyage from California to Hawaii, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The renowned adventurer, conservationist, and motivational speaker initially departed Mission Bay on June 24, 2025, sailing 100 nautical miles into the Pacific before turning back. Citing critical safety concerns and equipment modifications needed for his custom 20-foot catamaran, Bertish confirmed the postponement, prioritising thorough preparation over a rushed timeline.
‘When you rush things in life, bad things happen,’ Bertish notes. ‘Taking this time to get things right is the right call.’
A strategic retreat for a stronger comeback
Bertish’s TransCat Expedition ‘Oceans Without Borders’ aims to make him the first person to complete a solo, unsupported Pacific crossing in a production beach catamaran, a vessel with no cabin, relying solely on human endurance and precision engineering. However, after initial sea trials exposed unexpected vulnerabilities, the team decided that pushing forward in 2025’s narrowing weather window would be too risky.
Key modifications now planned include:
-
Structural reinforcements to handle extreme ocean conditions
-
Redesigned safety systems for solo operation
-
Extended offshore testing in California waters before relaunch
The Wildcat, Bertish’s semi-foiling Nacra catamaran, will be transported to Berkeley for upgrades before intensive training resumes in early 2026.
Looking ahead: The 2026 roadmap
-
April – May 2026: Rigorous testing in Southern California and Channel Islands
-
June 2026: Target relaunch from Mission Bay
-
Ongoing: Partnerships with marine conservation groups and schools
Bertish remains optimistic, emphasising that the delay ensures a safer, more impactful journey.
‘We have an incredible opportunity to build from a solid foundation and now build something even more impactful and meaningful—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while driving real change for our ocean, education, and communities,’ he said.
Chris Bertish’s decision to postpone his trans-Pacific bid indicates an important strength of character. While the 2025 attempt may have stalled, the additional year of testing and refinement could be what ultimately leads to historic success.
For now, the Wildcat will return to the workshop, its foils and hulls awaiting upgrades. But when Bertish finally points his bow toward Hawaii in 2026, he’ll do so with the confidence that comes from patience and the knowledge that some journeys are worth waiting for.
Renowned South African adventurer Chris Bertish departed Mission Bay, San Diego, today, 25 June, on a 20-foot production catamaran, commencing a 2 800-nautical-mile unsupported crossing to Hawaii that combines extreme athleticism with tangible conservation impact.
The TransCat Expedition 2025 marks the first attempted traverse of this route on an open-deck beach catamaran, a vessel offering no cabin protection from storms, scorching sun, or 20-foot Pacific swells.
Bertish (49) aims to complete the journey in under three weeks while spearheading four major sustainability initiatives – planting 6 000 trees, restoring Hawaiian coral reefs, funding a Kenyan education centre, and hosting live ocean-streamed lessons for students globally.
The expedition builds on his 2017 Atlantic paddleboard crossing and 2021 wing-foil voyage but presents new technical dangers due to the catamaran’s minimalistic design.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert!Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
Engineering for extremes
The modified Gemini 20 catamaran underwent two months of sea trials to withstand the crossing. Key adaptations include:
- Solar-powered desalination for drinking water
- Reinforced hulls to survive rogue waves
- Satellite-linked classrooms enabling real-time youth engagement
Conservation through endurance
Bertish’s Wild Impact partnership ties nautical milestones to measurable outcomes, such as 1 000 miles sailed = 2 000 trees planted in Malawi, halfway point = Coral nursery installation in Hanauma Bay, and successful landing = full funding for Kenya’s circular economy school.
‘This expedition is to raise awareness for ocean conservation, to empower education, and to prove that one person can still make a massive difference,’ he noted.
The expedition will broadcast STEM lessons via satellite to 12 partnering school networks, including South Africa’s Maritime Youth Development Programme. Students can submit questions Bertish will answer during calm weather windows.
Risk factors
Maritime safety experts identify three primary hazards:
- Sleep deprivation (20-minute naps maximum due to navigation demands)
- Equipment failure (nearest assistance is 5+ days away)
- Thermal stress (prolonged exposure to sun/sea with no shelter)
Bertish’s training included 72-hour solo endurance drills and storm simulations.
‘Every storm I’ve weathered in preparation has brought me here. This isn’t just about crossing an ocean. It’s about crossing the boundaries of what’s possible for people and for future generations,’ Bertish explained pre-departure.
Daily position updates will be posted at www.transcatexpedition.com, with emergency beacons activated if the catamaran drifts beyond 50 miles of the rhumb line. The vessel carries a 30-day supply surplus in case of delays.
Also read:
Mauritius to ignite skies with world-class kitesurfing at C Kite Festival 2025
Picture: Supplied
