How to defuse tension amongst crew

Have a pre race meeting where you agree principles of good behaviour, set a few rules and agree a sort of 'conract' to be adhered to.

Experts need to be recognised for their expertise, but that doesn't mean they can patronise newbies
Newbies must be encouraged to ask when they don't understand, and to be aware it is safer to ask the 'stupid question' tha to blunder on in ignorance.
Experts need to know newbies will sometimes need to ask stupid questions.
People must feel able to say when they feel things are building up.  Easier to nip tension in the bud than let it fester.   At the same time, people have to realise space - physical and emotional - is tight, and they need to rationalise and be tolerant.
Common goals should be established and it must be understood everyone is working towards those goals.

Having common goals and expectations often goes a long way to defuse the tension. With the clipper you will those who want to win and those who want to get round. The first group will want to push hard and have some discomfort whereas the 2nd will want things easier, which causes tension.

Not much you can do about this on clipper as people are paying rather than being selected as opposed to a normal race crew where this stuff is discussed as the crew is being formed but being aware of it my help.

Also on offshore boats a perception that someone isn't doing their share of the work is an absolute killer and causes all sorts of problems.

Finally with a boat that large there will be personality clashes within the crew, its unavoidable. If there is its better to accept this and work around it rather than trying to force everyone to get along.

Edited by Quagers - 16 Aug 13 at 8:46am

Originally posted by Quagers Also on offshore boats a perception that someone isn't doing their share of the work is an absolute killer and causes all sorts of problems.

You just need to to read the navigators log from the recent Transpac for a perfect demonstartion of this!

Mutiny at Sea
I'm sure your trip will be much better...

Thanks Quagers.  Having only 3 one week long training sessions before our race did help get everyone more mentally ready.  The first training week session felt like the hardest as you had a mix of completes novices (me) and people with their own boats and highly knowledgeable. There was tension on the 'not pulling your weight' feeling between crew as racing 24/7 is such a crucible with everyone being tired from 4 hours on/off sleep and work schedule, the pain and soreness of our bodies, even the fresh foods running out, basically lots of things that added to the stress.

Thank you! Great to have an example to pass around, very helpful!