Most extreme expedition yet
Published on May 24th, 2025
Chris Bertish is not ordinary. Not even close. He surfs 40-foot waves, winning the iconic Mavericks Surf Contest in Northern California. The South African has a Guinness World Record for crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 93 days on a stand-up paddle board. It only took him 48 days to solo wing foil from California to Hawaii, and now he wants to do that route again.
His plan is to be the first person to sail a production beach catamaran – a Nacra 20 – solo and unsupported from Dana Point to Oahu, Hawaii. His departure date is not firm but anticipates the 2600nm trip will take 15-20 days in June-July, 2025.
“I believe this expedition will be the most extreme of any expeditions I have ever done before, due to the extreme exposure to the wet, the sun, the cold and other factors like the catamaran turning turtle and not being able to right it,” said Bertish, who seeks to combine education with adventure.
“This expedition is not just about breaking records; it’s about inspiring change. By pushing the limits of what’s possible, we aim to spotlight the urgent need for ocean stewardship and educational access. When we protect our ocean, we protect all life on this planet.” – Details