My post is up - I decided to divide it, giving the account of the ship's hiring later. That gives anyone who wishes to do so the opportunity to post an adventure or three in the Havens. Just don't name our ship or captain, please - I reserve that for myself!
Lush,
Diamond, don't panic - I'm sure it will take us awhile to get to Valleyum, so you still have time to develop your characters. We have established them as kind of laid-back surfer dude types, although I imagine them to be like a bunch of bickering siblings as well. The BoLT should be excellent reference material for the latter!
I also recommend a brief look at the
Valaquenta for their individual characteristics and ideas on the relationships between them. You are free to add new aspects, of course.