Oregon man, who quit job to sail with cat, reaches Hawaii after weeks alone at sea; greeted by cheering crowd

An Oregon man who gave up his job and financial stability to sail to Hawaii with his cat has completed the journey. Oliver Widger, a former tire company manager, arrived at Oahu’s Waikiki Yacht Club on Saturday after spending several weeks alone at sea — except for the company of Phoenix, his feline companion.

He was greeted by cheering fans and even Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who presented him with an official proclamation. On arrival, Widger said he felt “really weird.” Not seasick, “I just feel like I have to, like, hold on to things to not fall over,” he said, reflecting on the transition from open water to solid ground.

Governor Josh Green presents a proclamation to Oliver Widger (AP Photo)

The sailing dream

Four years ago, Widger was diagnosed with a syndrome that increased his risk of paralysis. The experience forced him to reevaluate his life. Disenchanted with his corporate job, he quit with “no money, no plan,” $10,000 in debt, and one dream — to sail the world.

Locals welcome Widger in Hawaii (AP Photo)

He bought a $50,000 sailboat and moved from Portland to the Oregon coast. Teaching himself to sail through YouTube tutorials, he spent months refitting the boat before setting off in late April.

Widger documented the voyage on TikTok and Instagram, where his journey resonated with millions. “I think a lot of people are grinding at their job all day long. It doesn’t really matter how much money you make — everybody’s just trying to get by, and that wears you out,” he said. “World’s in a weird place, and I think people have seen that it’s possible to break out.”

Phoenix, Widger’s cat, sits inside their sailboat somewhere in the Pacific Ocean as both make their way from Oregon to Hawaii. (Photo: Oliver Widger’s Instagram via AP)

‘Absurd feeling’

Despite the inspiration, the journey came with risks. The most frightening moment, Widger said, was a rudder failure mid-voyage. But there were also serene highlights: dolphins, whales, and stretches of glasslike ocean that left him in awe.

“Being in the middle of the ocean when it was completely glass in every direction was an absurd feeling,” he said.

A sunset somewhere in the Pacific Ocean as Widger and his cat, Phoenix, sail from Oregon to Hawaii. (Photo: Screengrab taken from a video posted on Oliver Widger’s Instagram, via AP)

Though physically alone, Widger stayed connected via Starlink satellite internet — a modern advantage he acknowledges earlier generations of sailors never had.

The 29-year-old hasn’t finalised his next destination but is considering French Polynesia. For now, his focus is on resting and making repairs to the boat.

(With inputs from AP)