Futtock: My F Word

Futtock: one of the curved timbers scarfed together to form the lower part of the compound rib of a ship ~Merriam-Webster

My Connection: Although I've never been “to sea”, in my youth, I had a fascination with sailing ships, particularly of the gunship variety. My older brother and I spent countless hours constructing plastic models of historic examples, such as the USS Constitution. We were just a bit obsessive about our research and filled our heads with terms we'd never use, such as futtock. (And I'll bet you thought I chose this one because of the rhyming “B” word.) Hah!

By the way, the word “scarfed” in that definition refers to the way the futtocks were joined together by notching or beveling. (Just more useless trivia.)

The Last Word

Oh, you are a fine vessel, to be sure, my lady. Bow to stern, beam to deck, the spitting image of your forebear. And so well-crafted; each futtock perfectly scarfed to the next – your graceful curves rival those of the HMS Bounty, herself. Alas, you are but an imitation.

I knew her well, you see. She was mine at her demise, which led to my own. She blazed beautifully; I was slain on Pitcairn, branded “mutineer”. None of my crew left the island that day.

I cannot allow you to sail, bearing her name in honor of that beast, Bligh. Come, my lady. Under cover of this raging storm, we'll both find rest in the deep. You may call me Mr. Christian.

(124 words, by Vocal's count.)

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Quick Author's Note: For those who don't know the basis of this microfiction, Fletcher Christian was the officer in command of the mutineers on the HMS Bounty in 1787, later killed during fighting between the surviving mutineers. The Replica ship, Bounty, sank during Hurricane Sandy, although none of her crew were lost.

Written for Penny's The A-Z of Unusual Words: Part F:

Thanks for reading!