Naming a boat is no small task, especially when you consider the practicalities of communication over VHF with bridges, other boats, and the coast guard. We wanted a name that is short, easy to understand, and simple to pronounce and spell. But beyond practicality, we wanted a name that holds personal significance for us. After much thought and consideration, we picked a name that we believe perfectly encapsulates all these qualities. This name not only meets the practical requirements but also carries a deep personal meaning for us. It connects us to our past adventures on previous boats, while also symbolizing the new memories we are about to create. And that name is Koko.

So why did we choose the name Koko? Well, we have a few reasons:

Connection to our past sailboats: Koko is a shorter version of Kokomo, the name of our first boat that we cherished and that served us so well. It also has a nice ring to it, reminiscent of our fantastic second boat, Kekoa. The new name brings a sense of continuity, nostalgia, and connection to our earlier boating journey.

Simplicity and clarity: The name Koko is undeniably short and easy to pronounce and spell. Even we can utter ‘kilo-oscar-kilo-oscar’ over the VHF without a cheat sheet. This helps simplifying communication over the radio, ensuring that our boat’s name is easily understood by everyone we interact with on the water.

A special inspiration: When we Googled “Koko,” the first result was the Wikipedia entry for the famous gorilla named Koko. This remarkable gorilla was known for her gentle and friendly nature, her ability to use sign language, and her heartwarming story of adopting a kitten. Koko’s personality resonated with us deeply, symbolizing strength, steadiness, dependability, sturdiness, kindness, and empathy—all qualities we admire and see in our amazing Island Packet sailboat. Adopting kittens and speaking sign language also reminds us of that wonderful group of young adults who we love dearly and who are so close to our hearts. (Yes, we’re talking about our four amazing kids and their partners in crime.) Their spirit and energy are reflected in the name, making it even more special to us.

We feel that Koko is the perfect name for our new boat. It is short, easy to pronounce and spell, and carries a wealth of personal meaning and inspiration. We cannot wait to set sail and create new memories aboard Koko, carrying forward the legacy of our beloved Kokomo and Kekoa. And the name will always remind us of the passions and personalities of our four wonderful kids. So they will always be with us, no matter where the wind will blow us.

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