Oregon Man Completes Journey to Hawaii with Cat
An Oregon man, Oliver Wigger, left his tire company job and decided to sail to Hawaii with his cat, Phoenix. He reached his destination on Saturday, greeted warmly at the Waikiki Yacht Club by Hawaii’s Governor, Josh Green. Wigger admitted to feeling a bit anxious around the gathering crowd, which included reporters.
He described the sensation of arriving as “really strange,” clarifying that while he wasn’t seasick, he felt a need to remain steady on his feet.
Wigger gained significant online attention after sharing his journey, particularly since he had been diagnosed four years ago with a syndrome that posed a risk of paralysis and prompted him to reevaluate his career. Leaving his job came with no specific plans and about $10,000 in debt.
He learned how to sail mostly by watching YouTube videos, eventually relocating from Portland to the Oregon Coast. Over several months, he remodeled a $50,000 boat for his voyage.
Wigger set sail to Hawaii in late April, documenting his adventures on Instagram, where he amassed over a million followers. Supporters enthusiastically welcomed him and Phoenix after their lengthy journey.
During the press conference, the Governor declared the day in Wigger’s honor. Many fans gathered afterward, cameras in hand, eager to take selfies with him.
Wigger noted that the journey wasn’t without its challenges; a crucial moment of fear occurred when the helm malfunctioned. Yet highlights included peaceful moments at sea, where he spotted dolphins and whales. “It was a ridiculous feeling to be in the middle of the ocean with calm water as far as the eye could see,” he shared.
At 29, Wigger admitted he never truly felt lonely, thanks to video calls with friends. Still, he reflected on the difference between his experience and that of older sailors who embarked without modern communication tools like Starlink Internet satellites.
Looking ahead, Wigger mentioned the possibility of traveling to Polynesia or even France, but for now, he’s focusing on getting his boat repaired after reaching Hawaii.
