South African adventurer, author, and renowned waterman Chris Bertish has launched what may be his boldest and most challenging expedition to date — the TransCat Expedition 2025: Oceans Without Borders. On June 24, 2025, at precisely 2:34 p.m., Bertish departed from Mission Bay in San Diego, setting off on a solo, unsupported crossing of the Pacific Ocean in a production beach catamaran with no cabin — a feat never before attempted.
The 2,800-nautical-mile journey to Oahu, Hawaii, is expected to take between 18 and 24 days. Bertish will be sailing aboard The Wildcat, a 20-foot, semi-foiling beach catamaran powered solely by wind and solar energy. With no cabin, no kitchen, and no toilet aboard the vessel, the expedition leaves Bertish completely exposed to the elements for nearly three weeks, enduring relentless sun, ocean swells, unpredictable weather, and total isolation — all without a support crew or chase vessel.
“This will be my most extreme expedition yet,” said Bertish. “There’s no shelter from the sun, wind, or waves. If the catamaran capsizes, I’ll have to right it myself.”
But the TransCat Expedition is more than just a daring test of endurance and seamanship. At its core, the journey is a global call to action for ocean conservation, climate change awareness, and equitable access to education. Bertish has dedicated the expedition to raising funds and awareness for a variety of environmental and educational initiatives across the world.
Among the initiatives supported by the expedition are the construction of a circular economy classroom for a school in Kenya, the expansion of ocean education programs through SAAMBRA and the 2 Oceans Education Foundation in South Africa, and the development of mobile ocean aquarium outreach programs for underserved youth through groups like Nine Miles Project, Waves for Change, and the Sentinel Alliance. In addition, the mission will fund the planting of over 1,000 trees in North America and more than 3,000 trees in Africa through organizations like SeaTrees and the World Forest Initiative, as well as contribute to coral reef restoration efforts at Hanauma Bay, Hawaii.
“This journey pushes the boundaries of what’s possible when passion, purpose, and perseverance come together,” Bertish said. “Our planet and future generations deserve bold action — for our oceans, our climate, and our communities.”
Bertish is no stranger to combining record-breaking solo expeditions with a message of global stewardship. Over the past decade, he has redefined the intersection of extreme ocean adventure and environmental activism, raising millions for ocean conservation, education, and children’s health initiatives.
His reputation as a trailblazer began in 2010 when he won the Mavericks Big Wave Invitational in Half Moon Bay, California, surfing some of the biggest waves ever recorded in competitive history. That victory set the stage for his next historic achievement — the 2017 solo, unsupported crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on a stand-up paddleboard. Over 93 days, Bertish paddled 4,050 miles from Morocco to Antigua, becoming the first person to accomplish the feat and raising significant funds for Operation Smile, youth programs, and ocean conservation efforts.
In 2022, Bertish again made history with the Transpacific Wing Project, completing the first-ever solo, unsupported wing foil crossing of the Pacific Ocean. Covering 2,465 miles from Santa Cruz, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, in just 48 days, the expedition shattered the world record for the longest distance traveled solo on a wing foil — nearly doubling his own previous record. That journey, too, carried a message of climate action and ocean education, a hallmark of Bertish’s expeditions.
Beyond his record-setting adventures, Bertish has shared his experiences and mission through books, films, and global speaking engagements. His acclaimed 2015 film Ocean Driven and best-selling autobiography Stoked! chronicle his early life and rise as a competitive waterman. His 2021 documentary Last Known Coordinates captures his groundbreaking Atlantic paddle journey, while his latest book, All In!, details the trials and triumphs of his Transatlantic SUP Crossing.
Through it all, Bertish has remained steadfast in his belief that bold action — both on the water and off — is necessary to protect the planet’s oceans and communities. “This expedition is not just about breaking records,” he said. “It’s about inspiring collective action. When we protect our oceans, we protect all life on this planet.”
The TransCat Expedition 2025 will test the limits of human endurance and resilience, but for Bertish, the physical challenge is only part of the story. “Our oceans connect us all,” he added. “This journey is about reminding the world of that connection and the responsibility we all share to safeguard these fragile ecosystems.”
Supporters can track Bertish’s real-time progress across the Pacific, learn more about the expedition’s global impact, and contribute to the mission by visiting transcatexpedition.com.
As The Wildcat sails west into the open Pacific, Bertish carries not only the hopes of his supporters but the weight of a message that resonates far beyond the waves — when individuals take bold steps, they can help chart a better course for the planet.
