Oliver Widger and his cat Phoenix on their sailing adventure.
Oliver Widger, a 29-year-old from Oregon, successfully completed a 25-day sailing journey from the U.S. West Coast to Hawaii, accompanied by his cat Phoenix. After quitting his job and preparing for months, the duo embraced challenges, including a rudder failure, while gaining a following on social media. Widger received a warm welcome in Hawaii and is now planning future adventures, aiming to sail around the world. This inspiring journey highlights the bond between man and pet, as well as the pursuit of dreams.
In an inspiring tale of adventure and friendship, Oliver Widger, a 29-year-old from Oregon, has successfully completed a breathtaking 25-day sailing journey from the U.S. West Coast to the sunny shores of Hawaii accompanied by his beloved cat, Phoenix. Making landfall at the Waikiki Yacht Club on Saturday, May 24, 2025, Widger’s journey has captured the hearts of both sailing enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.
Widger’s journey is especially remarkable considering he took a massive leap of faith just to pursue his dream of sailing. He made the bold decision to quit his job at a tire company and liquidate his retirement savings to fund his aspirations. Diagnosed with Klippel-Feil Syndrome, a condition that could risk paralysis, he understands the importance of pursuing his dreams without delay.
With no previous experience sailing on open oceans, how did he do it? Believe it or not, he turned to YouTube for guidance and quickly adapted his skills. To prepare for this ambitious voyage, Widger relocated from the bustling city of Portland to the tranquil Oregon coast. After purchasing a beautiful $50,000 sailboat, he devoted months to refitting it for the journey ahead.
On April 30, 2025, Widger set sail with Phoenix, a cat he rescued from a dumpster seven years prior. This adventure was not just a test of sailing skills, but also an incredible bonding experience for the two. As they navigated the vast Pacific, Widger documented their journey through social media, where his accounts “sailing_with_phoenix” have garnered a staggering following. He has over 1 million followers on TikTok and 1.7 million on Instagram—proof that countless people were rooting for their success.
The highs of their journey included breathtaking sightings of dolphins and whales while sailing through the calm Pacific waters. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Widger faced an incredibly frightening moment when the rudder of his boat failed, leaving him momentarily shaken but determined to continue. Despite these challenges, his spirit never waned, and he was able to communicate with friends through video conferencing, which helped him feel connected during his time at sea.
Upon his arrival in Hawaii, he received an amazing welcome, complete with cheering fans and the presence of Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who honored him with a proclamation celebrating his adventurous spirit. Widger expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him during this journey, as it resonates with many others looking for a break from monotonous jobs.
Widger plans to enjoy the Hawaiian paradise for about six months before potentially embarking on a new adventure to French Polynesia. He’s also looking forward to making some necessary repairs to his ship to prepare for future travels. Above all, he hopes to fulfill his dream of sailing around the world.
This incredible journey is not just about the destination; it’s about stepping out of comfort zones, embracing life, and the undeniable bond that exists between a man and his furry friend. Congratulations to Oliver and Phoenix on their record-breaking feat!
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