In One Ear: Incredible undertaking

Published 6:00 am Thursday, December 11, 2025

An update is in order about Oliver Widger who, with limited experience, sailed across the Pacific from Warrenton, Oregon, to Hawaii on the Phoenix. He posted on social media the entire journey, and became an Internet sensation in the process. 

His Facebook page has 443,000 followers, his Instagram account has 2.1 million, and on TikTok he has 1.3 million — almost as big an accomplishment as the sail itself.

Because he has such an enormous online following, advertisers have clamored to be included in his next venture, a solo sail around the world. And, they are a necessity.

“One thing you need to understand is this is an incredible financial undertaking,” Oliver posted Nov. 25 on Facebook. “It requires every single dollar that I have, and some, to pull it off … Money is not going to be the thing that gets in the way of me and my dream … 

“I have a plan for when I sail around the world, where I can utilize my platform to do real good in the world. I want to sail not only for me, but I want to do it for other people … I’m going to just take full advantage of that opportunity, and do good while I’m alive.”

So, bring on the ads. It’s all for a good cause and, no matter what, he’ll have lots of online company encouraging him and cheering him on. (Photo: @marcus.widger)