It really doesn't matter who you take. Pick your jaw up off the floor. I am applying this phrase in one sense only - sailing experience. Experience, even in this realm, is not as important as many other things. Luckily we got this right or 19 days would have seemed much longer.
What is important? Your, and your family's opinions. Early on there was tension about taking Poseidon. Without getting into detail, it was age and "what if" related. I stand by our decision because it let us achieve what we did as a family. To me that will always be an amazing feat.
Your enjoyment of your crew's company. Please just take my word on this. Don't take someone because they beg/you owe them/they're a great friend when out drinking/they know sailing but...Remember, you can't pull over, and throwing crew overboard (even when justified in your mind) tends to be frowned upon by most civilized nations. You will eat, sleep, use the toilet and do everything you swore never to do in public within an area the size of your living room; with your crew present. I think you get the idea.
While I counted out sailing experience, the abilities to learn, and more importantly to work, are essential. Hence the lack of the aforementioned drinking buddy. If you are trying to put up the storm jib in the middle of the night because your lack of wind turned into a thirty knot gale...you will be thanking me for this advice.
I was quite happy that we placed these qualities in high regard for our crew. It made for smooth sailing even when things didn't go right. Which, if you own a boat, you know is most of the time.
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