A World-First Solo Crossing for Ocean Conservation and Education
South African Adventurer, Author, Speaker, Ocean Pioneer and ocean advocate Chris Bertish is poised to embark on his most daring voyage yet: the TransCat Expedition 2025, Oceans without Borders. This unique journey will see Bertish become the first person to sail a production beach catamaran—without a fixed cabin—solo and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean.
Launching from Dana Point, California, in late June, Bertish will navigate 2,800 nautical miles to Oahu, Hawaii, over an estimated 17 to 21 days. The expedition will be powered solely by wind and solar energy, highlighting a commitment to sustainable exploration.
“This expedition is not just about breaking records; it’s about inspiring change,” Bertish stated. “By pushing the limits of what’s possible, we aim to spotlight the urgent need for Ocean stewardship and educational access. “When we protect our ocean, we protect all life on this planet.”
The TransCat Expedition is more than a maritime challenge; it’s a multifaceted initiative aimed at global impact:
- Building a circular economy classroom for a school in Kenya. July -November 2025
- Paying for Ocean Education initiatives through SAAMBRA & the 2 Oceans Education Foundation in South Africa.
- Paying for Mobile Ocean Aquarium & Educational Sessions for the Nine Miles Project, Waves for Change & the Sentinel Alliance.
- Planting more than 1000 trees in North America, through the Sea Trees initiative and 3000 Trees in Africa, through the Word Forest initiative.
- Paying towards the Coral Restoration Project in Hanauma Bay in Hawaii, also through the Sea Trees initiative.
Bertish’s vessel, The Wildcat, a 20-foot, semi-foiling beach catamaran, is designed for agility and speed but lacks any comforts of traditional ocean-crossing craft, like a cabin for shelter, a kitchen or a toilet.
He will face the elements head-on, full time, 24/7, enduring relentless sun, storms, the wet, the cold, night and day, while enduring extreme solitude without the shelter of a cabin or the support of a crew, for almost 3 weeks.
This new World record setting expedition follows Bertish’s history of record-setting endeavours, including a solo stand-up paddle across the Atlantic in 2017, 93 days and a solo wing-foil journey across the Pacific, 49days. Each adventure has combined extreme athleticism with philanthropic give back goals, raising funds and awareness for various causes, with all of his previous exploits, his tiny crafts still had the luxury of a tiny cabin to act as a shelter to gain respite from the elements when things got cold, wet and wild.
This is why Bertish believes this Expedition will be his most extreme and dangerous yet, as he has to manage all the elements and exposure, 24/7 for almost 3 weeks and being able to right this catamaran solo, if it capsizes!
As preparations finalize, Bertish invites global audiences to join and support this epic ocean adventure raising money and awareness for ocean health, while giving back to various charities.
To support track and for more information on the TransCat Expedition 2025, visit transcatexpedition.com
“As Sir David Attenborough said – when we save the ocean, we save the world! We all need to take collective action for a sustainable future. Every small step and action counts, we can only accomplish this together!” Bertish remarked.
