The South African ocean pioneer has cancelled his world-first Pacific expedition after putting safety first, with his mission to create positive change continuing beyond the water.
California, USA (01 July 2026) – After three years of meticulous planning, South African ocean adventurer, author and motivational speaker Chris Bertish has made what he describes as the toughest decision of his career, calling off his planned solo TransPacific Cat Crossing expedition.
The world-first attempt would have seen Bertish sail unsupported across the Pacific Ocean aboard a modified beach catamaran, with no cabin, support vessel or protection from the elements. The expedition was scheduled to launch from California in early July after an earlier postponement, but worsening weather conditions, technical challenges and extensive safety assessments ultimately forced a rethink.
Rather than pressing ahead, Bertish chose to walk away.
“There are moments in extreme adventure where courage is not measured by moving forward, but by knowing when not to.”
The decision followed months of testing, route analysis and consultation with safety experts, who found that changing weather patterns linked to a strengthening Super El Niño had significantly increased the risks of the crossing.
“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.”
The announcement comes as a disappointment after years of preparation, but it is also consistent with the philosophy Bertish has long spoken about. In previous interviews, he has emphasised that stepping outside your comfort zone should never mean abandoning careful planning or taking unnecessary risks.
For the adventurer, making the call to stop was, in many ways, the bravest decision.
“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.”
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Through his Oceans Without Borders initiative and the Chris Bertish Foundation, the campaign will continue raising funds to build a circular economy classroom in northern Kenya, support large-scale tree planting projects across Africa and drive environmental education initiatives. Bertish has already contributed US$8,000 towards the classroom project, nearly a third of the fundraising target.
“The school classroom will be built. The trees will be planted. The impact will happen. No matter what it takes, we will get it done.”
Those who would like to support the foundation’s education and environmental projects can do so via the campaign link provided here.
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