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Chris Bertish postpones TransCat expedition to 2026 for safety enhancements

South African sailor Chris Bertish has delayed his TransCat Expedition to 2026. 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."