Oliver Widger, an Oregon man, has captured the hearts of social media users as he embarks on an ambitious sailing journey across the Pacific Ocean with his cat, Phoenix. Diagnosed with Klippel-Feil syndrome, a condition that could potentially lead to paralysis, Widger realized he wanted more from life than a corporate job. This realization propelled him to quit his career at Discount Tire and pursue his lifelong dream of sailing around the world.
Just a month after leaving his job, Widger sold his 401K and invested in a sailboat, diving headfirst into the world of sailing without any prior experience. After a year of learning and preparation, he set sail from Warrenton Marina on April 30, 2025, heading toward Hawaii, a trip covering approximately 2,400 miles. He estimates the journey will take him between 20 to 30 days.
Widger has been documenting his experiences under the handle “Sailing With Phoenix” on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where his videos have gained more than 500,000 followers in just a month. He utilizes Starlink, a satellite internet service, to share updates daily from the ocean.
Viewers can track Widger’s sailing journey on social media or through vessel tracking websites like marinetraffic.com and PredictWind.com, where his sailboat is listed under the AIS name “PHONIX.”
Widger’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of seizing opportunities and living life to the fullest, and his adventure resonates with many who dream of breaking free from routine. His story illustrates the power of resilience and the pursuit of one’s passions.