New England whaling in the 19th century. Each vessel must have the right complement of crew who posses the right blend of skills and represent the very best talent available from the pool of whalers in New England. Those crews are put together by each captain, the master of his vessel, who interviews potential hands from a variety of disciplines. He will sail as soon as he can assemble a complete crew and the provisions for his ship. He is anxious to sail since his investors could put their money elsewhere up to the time he finalizes the preparations and leaves port.
Whalers form a surprisingly small and tight knit community.
You've been at your trade for ten years now. Four successful voyages have take you all around the world. In that time you've had a chance to hear stories from men who have sailed on just about every vessel in New England. You've come to Edgartown from New Bedford where your last voyage ended because you knew that the three ships preparing their crews here are among the best available in New England. You know enough after ten years to know which ones to avoid.