Oregon Man Sails Across Pacific with Cat, Goes Viral

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oliver Widger, a 29-year-old graduate of Clackamas High School, is making headlines as he sails from Oregon to Hawaii with his cat, Phoenix. This ambitious journey, which began on April 30, 2025, is Widger’s first venture into open-ocean sailing, a feat he attempts alongside an unexpected challenge – a rare spinal condition.

Three years ago, Widger was diagnosed with Klippel-Feil Syndrome, a condition that fuses vertebrae in the neck and puts him at risk for paralysis. After facing this daunting diagnosis, he made a drastic decision. Widger quit his job, cashed out his 401(k), and purchased a $50,000 sailboat. He dedicated months to learning how to sail with the help of YouTube videos and a supportive neighbor.

During his journey, he revealed the turning point of his life. “A customer told me, ‘If you want to sail the world, what are you doing here?’” Widger recalled. Inspired, he moved to the Oregon Coast and spent 10 hours a day refitting the boat, primarily in the company of Phoenix, a cat he rescued seven years ago.

Widger’s journey spans 2,400 miles, and he aims to complete it in three weeks. Using Starlink satellite internet, he documents his experiences on social media, growing a substantial following of nearly 800,000 on Instagram and 600,000 on TikTok. He describes sailing as “absolutely awesome,” despite the challenges he faces, including storms and equipment failures.

As of May 8, he reported sailing 1,000 miles into the Pacific, and he plans to remain in Hawaii for six months before venturing to French Polynesia. He reflects on his experience with excitement and gratitude for the support he receives from followers around the world. “I never in a million years thought I would inspire somebody,” he said.

Your support helps make stories like his possible as he continues to chase his dream across the ocean.