Carter is an 11-year-old boy adjusting to his newly blended family. He possesses natural athleticism and physical strength, which he eagerly demonstrates whenever possible. He prefers action over discussion and struggles to relate to his more cautious stepbrother.

Jane is a nine-year-old girl and the youngest member of the group. She uses her intelligence and a video camera to process her surroundings, preferring to study maps and logs rather than act impulsively. She works hard to hide her fears from the older children and prove her capability.

Benjamin, who goes by Buzz, is an 11-year-old boy who prefers the safety of video games and television over outdoor activities. He is highly prone to anxiety and views the sailing trip as a dangerous ordeal. Despite his fears, his media consumption provides him with unexpected practical knowledge for survival.

Vanessa is a 13-year-old girl and the oldest of the four siblings. She takes her responsibility as the eldest seriously and utilizes her technical skills to solve problems. Her strong desire to protect the younger children sometimes leads her to panic or make hasty decisions under pressure.

Uncle Dexter is the captain of the *Lucky Star* and an experienced sailor. He organizes the Hawaiian sailing trip to help his niece, nephew, and their new step-siblings adjust to their blended family. He maintains a highly optimistic outlook, viewing dangerous weather as an opportunity for the children to bond.

Joe is the first mate aboard the *Lucky Star* and the only other adult on the trip. He handles the physical demands of the sailboat and focuses entirely on the safety of the vessel and its passengers during extreme weather conditions.