What to do with difficult crew mid Atlantic?

A QUESTION OF SEAMANSHIP - Jim is regretting taking on Ed as crew on a transatlantic voyage. Bellatrix is a sturdy 13m production GRP yacht in good condition with all the recommended safety gear for ocean sailing.

- JAMES STEVENS

Q Jim, who is well qualified and experienced, sailed from the UK to the Canary Islands with four crew who all got on well. Unfortunately one of them had to fly back for family reasons.

Jim knew he could continue the passage to Antigua with three crew, but four would be better. Ed met Jim when he was walking past Bellatrix on the pontoon. He struck up a conversation with Jim, complimented him on his yacht and explained that he was a highly experienced yacht crew looking for a berth to the West Indies.

Jim invited him on board to meet the crew who while not enthusiastic about a new crew member thought they could probably get on with him. Jim therefore agreed to take him on the passage.