Chris Bertish postpones TransCat expedition to 2026 for safety enhancements
Image: Supplied
In a significant move highlighting his unwavering commitment to safety and the integrity of ocean exploration, renowned South African adventurer, author, and ocean conservationist Chris Bertish has officially announced the postponement of his highly anticipated TransCat Expedition - Oceans Without Borders to 2026. Initially scheduled to set sail on June 24, 2025, Bertish's team faced a stark reality after navigating 100 nautical miles into the Pacific Ocean, only to turn back due to pressing safety concerns that arose ahead of this daring journey.
The TransCat Expedition aims to achieve a historic milestone by completing the first-ever solo, unsupported Pacific Ocean crossing in a production beach catamaran without a cabin—a perilous 2,800-nautical-mile feat from Mission Bay, California, to Oahu, Hawaii. However, the challenges became increasingly evident as Bertish grappled with narrow seasonal windows and complex weather patterns that could jeopardise the endeavour.
"When you rush things in life, bad things happen," Chris Bertish expressed in a recent statement. "While it's tough to delay, taking this time to get things right and test properly is the right call. It will ensure we launch from the strongest position possible—safer, smarter, and with all the refinements thoroughly tested."
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
The heroics of Chris Bertish, who braved sharks and storms on a stand-up paddle craft crossing of the Atlantic for charity, has been recognised by global sporting movement Laureus. Picture: Brian Overfelt This delay grants Bertish essential time to implement crucial modifications to his vessel, the Wildcat
Image: Brian Overfelt
This delay grants Bertish essential time to implement crucial modifications to his vessel, the Wildcat — a custom Nacra 20-foot semi-foiling beach catamaran. The team will conduct rigorous offshore trials to ensure optimal performance in preparation for the harsh realities of the ocean. The Wildcat will soon be relocated to Berkeley, California, for key upgrades prior to an intense training and testing schedule set for early 2026.
As Bertish and the TransCat team embark on this meticulous preparatory phase, they are buoyed by a growing network of supporters, including the Mission Bay Yacht Club, which continues to rally behind their ambitious vision. "We've built a great base team and community, and I know exactly what needs to be changed and improved," said Bertish.
"Much of it simply requires more time—time to test the innovations, train under realistic conditions, and get everything dialled for next season. This extra preparation will pay off exponentially in the long term."
Chris Bertish
Image: Supplied
With an intensive testing plan scheduled for April and May 2026 across critical locations, including San Diego, Mission Bay, and Dana Point, all eyes are set on a new launch target in June. While the postponement may be seen as a setback in terms of timeline, it is anticipated to lay a stronger foundation for the expedition's goals, all while amplifying global awareness about ocean conservation and climate action.
"This is about being able to reframe a big challenge or setback in life and seeing the silver lining in the obstacles," Bertish asserted. "We have an incredible opportunity to build from a solid foundation and create something even more impactful and meaningful—pushing the boundaries of what's possible while driving real change for our ocean, education, and communities."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
Not the first child: What happened to Tiffany Meek's newborn baby?
Tiffany Meek – the mother of Jayden-Lee Meek – lost her first child, a newborn baby boy, years before he was conceived. The circumstances of the infant's death have resurfaced amid her charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice and crimen injuria. Jayden-Lee's body was discovered just metres away from his doorstep on the morning of 14 May. He had suffered a blunt force head injury. In a TikTok video posted earlier this year, Tiffany Meek paid tribute to her firstborn son, Kaiyle Levi Dunn, who was born on 10 August 2012. Sadly, the baby boy died just two days later. 'Gone, but not forgotten', she captioned the clip. According to an affidavit, Tiffany gave birth to the baby when she was 18 years old. It's unclear what the infant's cause of death is. @tiffs_dunn One Sweet Day indeed. #foreverinmyheart👼💔 ♬ One Sweet Day – Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men Sometime later, Tiffany met and married Leandro Meek, and the couple welcomed Jayden-Lee in 2014. According to her statement, she has been separated from her husband since 2022. She is now in a relationship with another man. Following Jayden-Lee's death, Tiffany Meek and a group of family and friends held a memorial service, where they released balloons into the sky in memory of him. Holding on to her balloon a little longer, she could be heard saying a clip posted on social media: 'I know you're dancing with your brother. And watching over us every day because that is the type of child that you are'. She added: 'I'll miss you'. @renew_u #justiceforjayden ♬ original sound – ReneW🏳️🌈🌈🇿🇦 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Maverick
8 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
FlySafair responds to pilot strike: majority of flights operating, economic context clarified
FlySafair has confirmed that while the majority of its operations remain intact, approximately 12% of scheduled flights have been cancelled today. This follows a late-night withdrawal of availability by several pilots who had previously confirmed their participation in scheduled flights. All affected customers were notified via SMS using the contact details provided at booking. Customers are encouraged to consult the Travel Updates page on for the latest information. Airport teams remain on standby to assist with rebookings, refunds, and alternative arrangements. 'We regret the disruption caused to our customers and are doing everything possible to support those affected,' says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. Dispute overview: a matter of economic sustainability The current industrial action stems from a pay dispute between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing a portion of the airline's pilot workforce. While the union has publicly framed its demand as a 10.5% increase in base salary, the full package, including flight pay, bonuses, and other benefits, amounts to a 20.1% increase in total cost to company. By contrast, FlySafair's current offer includes a 5.7% increase on base salary, which is 1.5% above inflation. When fully costed, the offer equates to an 11.29% increase in total cost to company. The airline maintains that this is a fair and responsible offer, particularly in a macroeconomic environment where most businesses are offering increases of 4% or less. 'We must balance competitive pay with the responsibility we have to our 1,700 employees, the affordability we offer South African travellers, and the long-term health of the business,' says Gordon. FlySafair captains currently earn between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually, placing them in the top 1% of earners in South Africa. Many earn more than members of the airline's Executive Committee. The airline argues that the union's demands are not only economically unsustainable but also risk undermining the long-term affordability of air travel for South Africans. Pilot utilisation and regulatory compliance Concerns have been raised about pilot workload. However, FlySafair captains averaged 63 hours of flight time last month, well below the regulatory maximum of 100 hours set by the Civil Aviation Authority. For comparison, a standard full-time employee typically works around 160 hours per month. The airline maintains that its pilot utilisation is efficient, compliant, and in line with global aviation norms. Labour relations and escalation The union initially called for a one-day strike, strategically timed to coincide with the end of the school holidays. In response, FlySafair issued a defensive lockout, a standard labour relations mechanism. Due to the nature of airline rostering, this meant affected pilots would not be rostered for seven days. Solidarity then escalated the action to a two-week strike. FlySafair has not rejected CCMA intervention and continues to engage with the commission and the union in good faith. The airline emphasises its commitment to constructive dialogue and resolution. Broader impact and strategic outlook FlySafair acknowledges the disruption caused to customers and is working to minimise the impact. The airline also highlights its responsibility to its 1,700 other employees, whose livelihoods are linked to the company's financial sustainability. 'This is not a position any business wants to be in. We are committed to resolving this matter constructively and quickly, while protecting the long-term viability of the airline and the affordability of air travel in South Africa,' says Gordon. DM
Eyewitness News
10 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Public donations help secure plane tickets to bring home some members of SA soccer team stranded in Portugal
CAPE TOWN - EWN can confirm that 12 tickets were secured for the South African soccer team still stranded in Portugal. Thanks to donations made possible by the public, R54,000 was raised. Twelve players, along with one coach, will touchdown on home soil Wednesday evening. KFM presenter, Tracey Lange, confirmed that 12 tickets had been secured. "Our desire is to make sure they all get home in one go. We don't want to take a while and prioritise anyone above the rest. We don't want anyone's kids to feel that they are more important than anyone else's. The coaches are doing their best to keep everyone fine." The team's dream trip turned into a nightmare when the organisers failed to book return flights after spending a week in Spain competing at an annual soccer tournament. One of the coaches working for the organisers, Jayvin Chisholm, said many of the coaches were furious with the top management of BT Academy, which admitted in a letter calling for donations that the funds paid by the players had fallen short of covering the estimated cost of the trip. "He's just trying to keep afloat with the coaches that are willing to even speak to him at this moment, being myself and coach Clayton, because the other coaches, they won't speak to him at all because they are just so furious about the whole situation."
