Ocean adventurer Chris Bertish calls off TransCat Expedition, keeps mission for global impact alive

Chris Bertish on his craft during testing for TransCat Expedition 2026 © Fred Pompermayer

There are moments in extreme adventure where courage is not measured by moving forward, but by knowing when not to. South African Speaker, Author and Ocean Pioneer, Chris Bertish, has announced that he is officially calling off his much-anticipated TransCat Expedition 2026, a solo trans-Pacific beach catamaran crossing, after extensive testing, consultation with safety experts and weather forecasters revealed that the risks associated with the project had escalated beyond acceptable levels.

The decision marks the end of a three-year journey to prepare for what would have been one of the most ambitious solo ocean expeditions ever attempted - a world-first, unsupported crossing of the Pacific Ocean aboard a modified beach catamaran with no cabin, no support vessel and no protection from the elements.

The announcement comes just weeks before Bertish was due to launch from California after the original mid-June departure was postponed to early July following a series of technical, electronics and gear challenges, compounded by the super El Niño weather concerns.

While disappointment runs deep, Bertish's decision reflects the very principles that have allowed him to successfully complete some of the world's most demanding ocean expeditions.

"When you have the experience I have gained over the last three decades dealing with high-stakes world-first expeditions, being a risk technician helps you make the right decision to keep you alive so you can move forward and create future impactful expeditions," said Bertish. "When more than 700NM of testing, training, data and experience over the last 12 months all point to the risk being too high and you proceed anyway, that is no longer calculated adventure - that is called reckless. I pride myself on being meticulous about reducing risk to an acceptable level before moving forward. If I cannot do that, then it is simply not acceptable to continue."

The decision follows additional testing and route analysis after Bertish and his team began exploring revised route alternatives for the crossing. However, what initially appeared to be a potential solution introduced a greater set of challenges.

Over the past several weeks, California experienced some of the largest early-season south swells in almost a decade, while forecasts confirmed the strengthening influence of a heightened Super El Niño weather pattern. These conditions significantly increased the probability and danger aspect across the route, with a higher-than-normal probability for more extreme, challenging seas and severe weather anomalies.

"After assessing every option available to us, we have determined that the risks are simply too high to proceed safely. This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make after investing three years of my life into this project, but protecting the safety of everyone involved - including myself, our partners, sponsors and any rescue services that could potentially be called upon - must come first."

For Bertish, who famously became the first person to stand-up paddle solo and unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean and later completed a solo unsupported wing-foil crossing from California to Hawaii, the decision is particularly painful. Yet he believes the lessons learned through the process are invaluable.

"Having the wisdom and foresight to say no when the risks are too great, and everyone expects you to just go! That takes more courage and bravery than any world-first expedition," said Bertish. "You can't always win at everything you do in life, but you can always learn, evolve, grow, show up, be kind, help others and keep moving forward. That's just a different form of winning; that's the real winning in life!"

Importantly, while the crossing itself will no longer take place, the greater purpose behind the expedition remains very much alive.

From the outset, TransCat Expedition 2026 was designed to serve as a platform for environmental and educational impact through Bertish's Oceans Without Borders initiative and the Chris Bertish Foundation. The project's core objectives included building a circular economy school classroom in Northern Kenya, planting thousands of trees across Africa and supporting environmental restoration initiatives. Those goals, Bertish says, remain unchanged.

"In many ways, the mission and intention have become even more important now, as this was never about world records. It has always been about impact, inspiration and creating positive change. That remains the driving force behind everything we do."

To demonstrate his commitment to the cause, Bertish has already personally donated US$8,000 toward the classroom project, which is almost 30 percent of the US$28,000 target, before the fundraising campaign officially launches.

Last year, the project raised money to deliver educational and inspirational mentor sessions throughout South Africa. This year, the campaign is raising funds to build a circular economy classroom for a school in Northern Kenya through the Chris Bertish Foundation and Wordforest Foundation, while also funding large-scale tree-planting initiatives that will help feed the community and create long-term environmental impact.

Through the fundraising platform, which launches on June 30, 2026, construction of the classroom is expected to take place between September and December 2026.

"A school classroom will be built. The trees will be planted. The impact will happen," said Bertish. "No matter what it takes, we will get it done."

Bertish also extended his gratitude to all the partners, sponsors and supporters who have stood behind the expedition throughout its three-year development process, including headline partners AD Ports Group and Wild Impact.

Bertish is already working towards his next big sailing adventure for 2027/2028, his greatest challenge ever, which is in the process of being finalised with the continued support of AD Ports Group.

For more information on how you can help and support, please visit givebutter.com/TransCatExpedition. For updates and more information, visit ChrisBertish.com and follow @chrisbertish.