About the Cutthroat
Jun 14th, 2006 by Elise
The Cutthroat is a 52ft Island Packet 485 with spacious cargo room and a smooth sail. Not only does this ocean cruiser get us from point A to point B, but we enjoy every minute of it. The Cutthroat is an excellent sailboat to cruise the ocean for any given length of time. We bought Cutthroat new in the summer of 2004 from the Island Packet dealer in San Diego - Suncoast Yachts. She is one of the last 2004 models - hull #27. You might wonder if she is 51′ long, why is she called a 485??? Good question - actually, Island Packet names the models based on the length of the deck - in this case 48′ 6″…hence 485. Rest assured, when we want to get slip space, we’re charged for every foot - all 51′7″.
Well, that is the boat Cutthroat’s story - but we are often asked how we came about the name. Naming your boat is an arduous task. The name must represent something or someone near and dear to you. You quickly bond with your boat - it becomes a close friend, companion and very much takes on a personality of its own.
Meet the real Cutthroat…
How did he get the name Cutthroat??? Well it goes back to Roger’s Vietnam days when he served as the Commander of C Co, 1st Bn., 1-327 Infantry Regiment (ABN), 1st Brigade (Sep), 101st Airborne Division. The Battalion Commander (aka Ghostrider) decided that each of his Company Commanders would have a unique and highly spirited call sign to induce fear into the enemy and instill confidence in the troops. The C became Cutthroat and these names have stuck over the years. This little group of heroes get together every two years and talk on the phone in between. Over the years, the killers just turned into nice old guys who are loveable but can go mean on you in a heartbeat. They earned those names and are proud of them.
Seeing as the name Cutthroat brought Roger much luck during the war years, it seemed only fitting that the name would provide luck and safe passages for us.
And the Mrs Cutthroat…aka the Weezer
Wouldn’t be an appropriate name for a boat. I don’t have a story about the name, but I know I’m just glad to be here and finally get to do the cruising I’ve always dreamed about. Roger is the real champ because once again he has indulged me in my wishes. He learned to sail later in years and actually agreed to this adventure. Thanks Baby - I love you!!!
Best of luck and God’s speed on your adventure to Hawaii! We’ll be watching your progress!
All the best,
Brad & Jackie
El Sueño
Hi Roger and Elise:
It is so great to see all of the pictures. Thanks for sharing.
We met you at the Mott’s house a few years ago in Colorado Springs. We live in just East of Tampa. Joanne has always kept us informed of all of your adventures including the link to your website. We’re enjoying the pics.
If you remember our daughter, Amy was Stephen’s date to the All Academy Ball that year ( I think it was 2002) right after Christmas. Well now she’s graduated from University of Florida with a degree in business. She’s been working for Macy’s NYC as a designer shoe buyer. She’s done very well with great promotions and raises.
This is quite a change for a southern girl, but she’s adjusting well. She and her circle of friends have made a nice home away from home for themselves. Amy still stays in contact with Stephen and even had lunch with Stephen and Amanda when they were here visiting Monica and Ryan.
Take care, be safe and enjoy your retirement.
Barb Ferguson
Brandon, FL
Roger,
It was wonderful meeting you on the flight from Tampa to Dallas Fort Worth. Hope that the weekend with your sons was fun. Look forward to seeing more pictures of your magnificent sailboat.
Best regards
Stuart Leigh
Los Angeles, CA
I have been thinking about the two of you. I can see that there is a LOT of water around you. I don’t think that there will be any Easter Egg hunting, I sure hope the weather is good to you. Best wishes.
Enjoy hearing of your adventures. You two are more gutzie than we are. Will keep up on your trip to Sitka. Travel safe. Also, there are lots of big rocks (submerged) entering the harbor at Sitka. Better keep Elise up in the crow’s nest with lots of tissue to keep her glasses clean. Give us a call sometime. Leave msg, will call you back ASAP. J & P
Elise and Rog: I would have thought the name Cutthroat came from the previous job you held in the financial world. Just kidding. Glad to hear the name is from Rog’s Vietnam days. Linda and I enjoyed the cruise around the harbor with you two prior to our (you and us) retirement. You have a fantastic vessel which it seems has served you well. Keep enjoying life as long as possible and take care of your health. Bob and Linda Lucas.
We walked by your beautiful boat last weekend at Elliot Bay Marina on the way to our Kai Tora a few slips up.
Very inspiring! We often think about what it would take to make the move to the next level of skills, competencies, and capabilities - both with our boat and overselves. The appearance of Cutthroat on the dock just continued to help that process along.
We just returned from a 17 day trip north to B.C. including Princess Louisa Inlet, Desolation Sound, the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Nice trip if you have time to spend there.
Would love to meet you if we cross paths on the dock, else fair winds and thanks for the inspiration!
Darren & Sandy May
s/v Kai Tora