South African adventurer Chris Bertish has set off on one of the boldest solo expeditions ever attempted – a world-first crossing from California to Hawaii on a production beach catamaran with no cabin, powered only by wind and solar energy.
The TransCat Expedition 2025 Oceans Without Borders will see Bertish navigate more than 2 800 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean from Mission Bay, San Diego, California to Oahu, Hawaii – solo, unsupported, and exposed to the elements for up to three weeks.
Extensive sea trials
“Every test, every challenge, every storm I’ve weathered in preparation has brought me here,” says Bertish.
“This isn’t just about crossing an ocean. It’s about crossing the boundaries of what’s possible for people, for the planet, and for future generations.”
Over the past two months, Bertish has undergone extensive sea trials and safety testing on the custom-modified 20-foot catamaran to ensure the craft could withstand the extreme conditions of the Pacific.
Designed for speed, the vessel offers zero protection from sun, wind, or rain – a test of sheer endurance, mental toughness, and strategic ocean navigation.
Bertish will be completely alone at sea, with no support boat or physical contact, making this one of the most audacious ocean crossings ever attempted on such a craft.
Mission for good
But the TransCat Expedition is more than an adventure. It’s a global mission for good.
Through the journey and his strategic partnership with Wild Impact, Bertish aims to:
- Plant 6 000 trees across Africa and North America to offset carbon emissions
- Support coral reef restoration in Hawaii’s Hanauma Bay
- Fund and build a sustainable education facility in Kenya that promotes circular economies and food security
- Inspire over one million youth worldwide through live virtual classroom sessions streamed from the middle of the ocean
“Everything we do in this life should ripple outward,” Bertish says.
“This expedition is my ripple – to raise awareness for ocean conservation, to empower education, and to prove that one person can still make a massive difference.”
Bertish is no stranger to epic feats.
In 2017, he became the first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean on a stand-up paddleboard, and in 2021, he pioneered a solo wing-foil journey from California to Hawaii.
Each expedition has combined extreme sports with impactful causes, raising millions in funding and awareness for global sustainability and youth initiatives.
For more on the TransCat Expedition or to support the cause, visit www.transcatexpedition.com
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