US EditionSailing from Oregon to Hawaii after quitting his job turns a man with a cat into social media star
- Oliver Widger, a 29-year-old former tire company manager, sailed from Oregon to Hawaii in April with his cat Phoenix, gaining over a million social media followers.
- After a paralysis-risk syndrome diagnosis and hating his strict 9-to-5 job, Widger abruptly quit with no money or plan and $10,000 debt to pursue sailing.
- He learned how to sail primarily by watching YouTube tutorials, purchased a $50,000 boat on the Oregon coast which he spent months refurbishing, and documents his journey in his 'Sailing with Phoenix' video series.
- Widger faced technical challenges like a rudder failure and three hours of repairs while acknowledging his inexperience and using safety tools such as a satellite phone and emergency beacon.
- His story inspires many feeling trapped by work, and he manages life onboard and social media, with his arrival likely in Honolulu and plans to avoid Hawaii's animal quarantine for Phoenix.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Man, 29, Leaves Corporate America and Cashes Out His 401K to Sail the World with His Cat
“I work a corporate job at a tire shop. I absolutely hate this life,” Oliver Widger said before quittingSailing With Phoenix/Instagram Oliver Widger and his cat.Oliver Widger gave up on his corporate job to chase a life of leisure on the open seasThe 29-year-old set sail from the Oregon coast and is headed to Hawaii for his first stopHis only passenger is his cat PhoenixAn Oregon resident is giving up his life on land and setting sail across the…
Novice waterman sailing to Hawaii with a cat and minimal experience | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Last spring, Oliver Widger quit his corporate job of 11 years, liquidated his 401(k) and bought a sailboat. His goal: to set sail from his home in Oregon and voyage around the world, starting with a first leg of 2,400 miles to Hawaii.
He Set Off on a Journey Around the World with a Cat
Madness or courage? Without a shred of knowledge about sailing, an American man sets out on a journey around the world, accompanied by his cat Phoenix. Tired of a nine-to-five job, a neat appearance, and wearing a business suit, he's now even making money on his challenging journey. How?
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