Sailing For Good! Local Charity Receives Almost R500,000 in Funding From 2024 Olympics!
Photo Credit: Brian Overvelt - Supplied

93 days, 7,500km distance and 1,944,000 strokes to finish.

 

Yesterday on, March 9, 2017 at 8:32AM, Chris Bertish, internationally acclaimed Speaker, Big Wave Surfer and Guinness SUP World Record Holder, completed the first, solo, unsupported Transatlantic SUP Crossing, presented by Carrick Wealth.

Bertish set off on the greatest ocean adventure ever attempted from the coast of Morocco on December 6, 2016 and traversed 4,050nm/7,500km, paddling 1,944,000 strokes across the Atlantic Ocean for 93 days, to reach the finish in English Harbour, Antigua.

Bertish stand up paddled to the English Harbour shores to receive a hero’s welcome and flotilla on the water to guide and encourage him to the finish line. Chris’ own brothers, locals and project supporters from around the globe turned out to watch the dramatic arrival take place and cheer Chris on during the final strokes to the finish.

Chris Bertish at the end of the Sup Crossing - Photo by Brian Overfelt

As the nearly 20’ specialized SUP craft, the ImpiFish, shoved to shore for the first time in three months, after much cheering, hugging and tears of joy, Chris commented,

“If you truly believe in yourself and persevere, anything is possible, and here we are. After over three months solo on the open ocean, I am here, on land again with friends and family – my feelings of accomplishment and extreme gratitude for everyone that made this incredible journey possible are beyond words.”

The SUP Crossing presented by Carrick Wealth made history, set a new world record and will leave a lasting legacy helping generations to follow.

“Carrick Wealth is extremely proud to be associated with someone that shows such immense character, sheer determination and humility. Chris’ efforts over the last 4 months have been nothing short of miraculous and his selflessness to sacrifice everything to change the lives of millions of at-risk children across Africa, well that is something we should all strive to achieve,” commented Craig Featherby, CEO Carrick Wealth.

The SUP Crossing will continue raising funds for several charitable organizations including The Lunchbox Fund, Operation Smile and Signature of Hope. Bertish personally committed to funding one operation for a child in Africa through Operation Smile for every World Record he achieved on this epic Transatlantic journey. And he achieved many of them including a new world record for a 24-hour solo unsupported and unassisted open ocean distance SUP.

“We created a new a smile for every mile I crossed over the Atlantic,” commented Bertish. “This incredible journey is going to be able to truly change lives. Knowing the impact this will have made every day out on the open ocean worthwhile.”

With Bertish’s long time experience as a keynote and inspirational speaker known internationally for inspiring audiences with his tales of courage, determination, and skill to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles in pursuit of his dreams,” Chris added, “Reaching your goals and breaking records is all about beating the odds and challenging your own limits until you achieve what you never imagined could be accomplished. Nothing is impossible.”

Working with charities Signature of Hope Trust, the Lunchbox Foundation and Operation Smile, Bertish aims to raise enough money to build at least five schools in South Africa, provide monthly dividends to feed and educate thousands of children and pay for surgeons to carry out life-changing cleft lip and palate operations.

As of today, Bertish has raised R5,460,030 ($412,000).

To follow Chris Bertish, get involved, donate and continue the adventure click here. Keep the conversation going with the official hashtag: #theSupCrossing #CarrickWealth #StandUp

Chris Bertish arrives in Antiqua - Photo by Brian Overfelt Chris Bertish becomes the first person to SUP across the Atlantic, unsupported - Photo by Brian Overfelt


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Sources: Chris Bertish

About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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