HONOLULU (AP) – Oliver Widger, 29, is currently sailing across the Pacific Ocean with his cat named Phoenix, having quit his 9-to-5 job to pursue his dream of sailing around the world. Widger reflects on the appeal of his story, which has captured the interest of over a million followers on TikTok and Instagram. He believes many people feel unfulfilled in their jobs, regardless of their income level, and are seeking a way out. Widger asserts, “The world kind of sucks,” expressing how he's not alone in feeling dissatisfied with life.
Diagnosed with a syndrome four years ago that posed a risk of paralysis, Widger realized he hated his job as a manager at a tire company and longed for a different life. Inspired by stories of individuals sailing from California to Hawaii, he made the bold decision to quit his job with "no money, no plan," while carrying $10,000 in debt. Widger emphasized, "I knew one thing: I’m buying a sailboat. I’m sailing around the world." After liquidating his retirement savings, he taught himself to sail through YouTube and relocated from Portland, Oregon to the state's coast to refit a $50,000 boat.
Since setting sail in April, Widger has utilized social media to document his journey, creating content for his "Sailing with Phoenix" series. Followers immerse themselves in his adventures, which include battling rough waves, witnessing stunning sunsets, discussing complicated boat repairs, and contemplating life at sea. As Widger conversed with reporters via Zoom, a bag of snacks and water swung overhead amidst the rocking of the boat. He recounted incredible moments from his voyage, such as observing dolphins and discovering flying fish on deck, balanced against stretches where no wildlife was in sight for days.
However, the journey has not been without challenges. He has experienced intense situations, like a rudder failure that caused his boat to tilt for hours while he performed repairs, and a moment when he locked himself in the engine compartment and had to extricate himself with a wrench. Acknowledging his inexperience, Widger has implemented various safety measures, including satellite communication and an emergency beacon. U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Harms expressed relief that Widger has an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), which is crucial for rescue operations in the Pacific Ocean.
Widger's voyage also serves as an opportunity to promote sailing safety, advocating for the use of personal flotation devices and the registration of emergency tools like the EPIRB. Harms has encouraged those inspired by Widger's story to maintain a focus on safety. Until his anticipated arrival in Honolulu, Widger is taking steps to ensure Phoenix avoids Hawaii's animal quarantine, coordinating with a mobile vet for the cat's health documentation. He has been careful about keeping all his trash, including kitty litter, onboard, motivated by the significant ocean plastic pollution he has encountered.
In addition to navigating life at sea, Widger faces the complexities of suddenly gaining viral fame and the logistics of managing merch based on his followers’ interests. He connects his transformative journey to his past health challenges, which he credits for reshaping his outlook on life. "Everything I’ve done I thought was impossible," he stated, inspiring others to pursue their dreams. “Whatever your dream is, just go, just do it,” Widger encourages.
