Chimp Boat

We say “monkeys”, but these are properly called chimpanzees, trainable, perhaps already trained in some tasks.

This is my ship, and a fine vessel is she. A tall ship, she flies with the wind under full sail. Yes, I have an excellent human crew, and they handle many important tasks. For example, the monkeys won’t be good at reading a chart, nor cooking. But they can climb, fit into small spaces, and each is stronger than a man.

We’ve sailed from port to port, waiting for a period of time for a monkey who longs for the sea. If he chooses to stay, he shall be welcomed as a member of the crew. Currently, we’ve brought on no boarders, but we’re not here to capture a crew. It will be easier after two or three monkeys arrive, I think, since other passing monkeys will be eager to join the group. Once loaded with monkeys and monkey provisions, we will set our course for ports unknown. I’m optimistic about this plan, and I’ve had nothing but admiration for the patience of the crew thus far.

The monkeys will select their own outfits, to become true seaworthy crewmen. We’ll train them in swash-buckling derring-do.

I’ll shout “Ahoy There” as we pass other ships, “I am the captain of the sailing monkeys!”