Record-Breaking Waterman Sets Sail Solo from California to Hawaii for Sea Conservation

South African ocean conservationist Chris Bertish has launched what might be the most extreme solo ocean crossing ever attempted. He departed Mission Bay in San Diego aboard The Wildcat, a 20-foot beach catamaran with no cabin, no kitchen, and no toilet. His destination? Oahu, Hawaii, some 2,800 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean.

Bertish’s TransCat Expedition 2025 represents a bold fusion of extreme human endurance and urgent ocean conservation messaging. For 18 to 24 days, he’ll be completely exposed to the elements while raising awareness and funds for global marine protection initiatives.

Breaking New Ground in Ocean Exploration

What makes this expedition unprecedented isn’t just the distance or the solo nature. Bertish is attempting the first-ever solo, unsupported Pacific crossing in a production beach catamaran. The Wildcat relies entirely on wind and solar power, creating a zero-emission journey across one of Earth’s most challenging ocean stretches.

“This will be my most extreme expedition yet,” Bertish explains. “There’s no shelter from the sun, wind, or waves. If the catamaran capsizes, I’ll have to right it myself.”

The technical challenges are staggering. Unlike traditional ocean crossing vessels, beach catamarans weren’t designed for multi-week solo journeys. Bertish will face constant exposure to salt spray, relentless sun, and Pacific storms without any protective cabin structure.

Conservation Impact Beyond the Waves

The expedition supports a comprehensive portfolio of marine and environmental projects. Bertish’s mission includes funding ocean education programs through SAAMBRA and the 2 Oceans Education Foundation in South Africa, supporting mobile ocean aquarium outreach initiatives, and contributing to coral reef restoration in Hanauma Bay, Hawaii.

The project also extends beyond marine environments. Plans include building a circular economy classroom in Kenya, planting over 1,000 trees in North America through SeaTrees, and establishing 3,000+ trees in Africa via the World Forest Initiative.

“This journey pushes the boundaries of what’s possible when passion, purpose, and perseverance come together,” Bertish states. “Our planet and future generations deserve bold action for our oceans, our climate, and our communities.”

A Legacy of Ocean Firsts

Bertish brings serious credentials to this ambitious undertaking. In 2010, he won the Mavericks Big Wave Championship in some of the largest competitive surfing waves ever recorded. His 2017 solo standup paddle crossing of the Atlantic Ocean covered 4,050 miles in 93 days, earning him global recognition and the “Expedition of the Year Award.”

Most recently, in 2022, Bertish completed the first solo, unsupported wing foil crossing of the Pacific Ocean, covering 2,465 miles from Santa Cruz, California to Honolulu in 48 days. Each expedition has raised significant funds for ocean conservation and children’s health initiatives.

Real-Time Ocean Science in Action

The TransCat Expedition provides unique opportunities for ocean monitoring and data collection. Bertish’s route crosses critical Pacific Ocean ecosystems, offering potential insights into current ocean conditions, weather patterns, and marine life distribution. The expedition’s tracking systems allow researchers and the public to follow real-time progress across this vital ocean region.

The journey highlights the interconnected nature of ocean health and climate stability. Pacific Ocean currents influence global weather patterns, marine biodiversity, and coastal communities from California to Southeast Asia. Bertish’s crossing serves as a powerful reminder of our oceans’ central role in planetary health.

Taking Action for Ocean Conservation

We can support ocean conservation efforts inspired by expeditions like Bertish’s TransCat journey. Simple actions include reducing single-use plastics, supporting sustainable seafood choices, and advocating for marine protected areas. Individual choices, when multiplied across millions of people, create meaningful change for ocean ecosystems.

The expedition demonstrates how personal challenge can amplify conservation messaging. Bertish’s extreme journey captures global attention, creating platforms for discussing critical ocean issues that might otherwise remain in scientific journals.

Track Chris Bertish’s progress and learn about supporting ocean conservation initiatives at transcatexpedition.com.

Written by: Junior Thanong Aiamkhophueng.

Image Credits: All photographs courtesy of Chris Bertish.

Attribution: Media alert from Claire Muranaka, The ACE Agency, regarding Chris Bertish’s TransCat Expedition 2025.