An individual from Oregon who left his position at a tire company and used his retirement savings to sail to Hawaii with his cat, Phoenix, successfully arrived at his destination on Saturday. Upon reaching Hawaii, he was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd, including fans and reporters, after documenting his journey on social media for his followers.
Oliver Widger, who received a warm welcome at the Waikiki Yacht Club from Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, admitted feeling nervous in front of the audience. He described his feelings as being “really weird,” not due to seasickness but feeling like he had to hold onto things to avoid falling over.
His story gained significant attention online, particularly after he was diagnosed four years ago with a syndrome that could lead to paralysis, prompting him to leave his managerial job. With no clear plan and $10,000 in debt, he pursued his dream of buying a sailboat and circumnavigating the globe.
AP Photo/Michelle Bir
He learned sailing skills mainly through YouTube, relocated to the Oregon coast from Portland, and spent months refurbishing the $50,000 boat he purchased.
Embarking on his journey to Hawaii with Phoenix in late April, he chronicled their adventures for his over one million TikTok followers and 1.7 million Instagram followers. Widger believes that his relatable story, covered by national news, struck a chord with many.
Oliver Widger via AP
“I believe many individuals are caught in the grind of their jobs, regardless of their income. Everyone is striving to make ends meet, which can be draining,” he expressed. “The world is in a strange place, and I think people are realizing that breaking free is possible.”
Green honored Widger with a proclamation. After the press conference, fans surrounded Widger, eager for pictures and selfies.
Widger mentioned that the scariest moment of the trip was when the rudder malfunctioned. He cherished moments like encountering dolphins and whales and experiencing serene Pacific waters. “Being in the middle of the ocean with a completely calm sea in every direction was an incredible sensation,” he remarked.
@sailing_with_phoenix Day 6 sailing from Oregon to Hawaii. I just clocked an 8 hour nap and I feel ready to take on the world lol thank you everyone for the love. Phoenix and I are doing great. #sailing #dream #fyp #sailinglife
At 29 years old, Widger mentioned that he never felt isolated as he kept in touch with friends through video calls. However, he also expressed regret for not experiencing the open sea in the same way as sailors without modern communication tools like Starlink internet satellites have in the past.
@sailing_with_phoenix Day 23 sailing from Oregon to Hawaii with my cat. #sailing #sailinglife #fyp #dream
He mentioned the possibility of traveling to French Polynesia next, although his focus had been on reaching Hawaii, not on post-Hawaii plans. He also noted the need for repairs on his boat.
