South African adventurer launches record-breaking solo expedition

South African adventurer Chris Bertish has launched one of the boldest solo expeditions ever attempted, becoming the first person to sail from California to Hawaii on a production beach catamaran without a cabin, using only wind and solar power.

On his 2025 TransCat Expedition: Oceans Without Borders, Bertish will sail over 2,800 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean from Mission Bay in San Diego to Oahu, Hawaii, alone, unsupported, and fully exposed to the elements for as long as 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 rigorously tested the custom-modified 20-foot catamaran through extensive sea trials and safety checks to confirm it can endure the harsh conditions of the Pacific.

Built for speed, the vessel provides no shelter from the sun, wind, or rain—challenging Bertish’s endurance, mental resilience, and ocean navigation skills to the limit.

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 completed the first solo wing-foil journey from California to Hawaii.

He used each expedition to blend extreme adventure with purpose, raising millions in support of global sustainability efforts and youth-focused initiatives.