Oliver Widger, 29, set sail from Oregon with his cat Phoenix in April, leaving behind a high-paying job and a life he found unfulfilling. The journey has taken him across the Pacific Ocean, inspiring millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram.
Four years ago, Widger was diagnosed with a syndrome that put him at risk for paralysis. He quit his job as a manager to pursue sailing after hearing about people who made similar voyages from California to Hawaii. With no money or plan, he bought a $50,000 sailboat and liquidated his retirement savings.
Widger’s journey has not been without challenges, but he remains optimistic. The cat lover has shared videos of Phoenix battling seasickness and enjoying dazzling sunsets on social media, which has helped fund his voyage. Despite facing harrowing moments like a failed rudder and engine compartment lockout, Widger is relatively inexperienced as a sailor.
To ensure safety, he uses a satellite phone and emergency beacon. Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Harms of the U.S. Coast Guard in Hawaii praises Widger’s use of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), which can help rescuers locate him during emergencies.
As Widger approaches Honolulu, he is focused on managing the practicalities of life at sea and coping with his newfound fame. Despite feeling overwhelmed by social media, Widger credits his diagnosis for changing his perspective and hopes to inspire others who feel stuck in a rut.
“My dream was impossible,” Widger said. “Whatever your dream is, just go, do it.”
Source: https://katu.com/news/local/man-quits-his-job-to-sail-from-oregon-to-hawaii-with-his-cat-becomes-a-social-media-star