Last year, we featured Chris Bertish's ambitious TransCat Expedition and his plans to sail solo and unsupported across the Pacific from California to Hawaii aboard a 20ft open beach catamaran. The planned 2,600 nautical mile crossing was another huge ocean challenge from an adventurer well known to the SUP community for his solo Atlantic SUP crossing and TransPac wing foil expedition. Now, Chris has released a new video reflecting on what happened during TransCat, the risks involved and why the expedition ultimately didn't continue across the Pacific.
After three years of preparation and development, Chris completed more than 750 nautical miles of sailing and testing aboard the specially prepared catamaran. The journey exposed him to changing weather, technical challenges and the realities of spending extended periods offshore on a small, completely open craft.
Following continued assessment of the weather and safety risks, the decision was made not to continue with the planned crossing to Hawaii.
For someone who has built a career around completing seemingly impossible ocean challenges, making the decision to stop was clearly not an easy one.
Chris’ latest video offers an interesting and honest reflection on that decision, looking at the balance between ambition, preparation and recognising when the risks of an expedition have become too high.
But while the TransCat crossing may be over, the wider purpose behind the expedition continues.
Chris remains committed to raising funds for a Circular Economy Classroom in Northern Kenya and supporting the planting of more than 4,000 trees. The sustainability and conservation projects were central to TransCat from the beginning and remain a major focus following the expedition.
We first followed the TransCat project when Chris announced his plans in 2025. This latest film feels like an important final chapter to the expedition and an honest look at a side of ocean adventure that doesn’t always receive the same attention as successful crossings and new records.
Sometimes the biggest decision isn’t whether to keep going, but knowing when it’s time to stop.
Watch Chris Bertish’s latest TransCat Expedition film above.