Seems like the psychology could go either way. Any truly adept navigator is sure they could sail *around* a storm to safety; hence would also be able to sail into a storm or allow that to happen, even if only out of spite.
Accused of being bad luck often results in the accused doubting oneself *or* simply feeling unwanted and/or unappreciated by the group; thus might choose to sail into the storm and jump ship to be on one's own (feeling unsupported, alienated and/or abandoned).
The slow nature of the plot irks me, but I can deal with it as my life is pretty stormy now as well and can't devote 24/7 to refreshing on PPT.
I now just don't even think we can rely on the first, Captain's, reiteration of the tale, and perhaps we might not get a full story until Hoban himself can tell his side of the story.
And whoever mentioned Hoban might be a girl, then someone else thought no reason to doubt "his" gender, I might also voice some suspicion. I can recall many a "pirate" or adventure tale wherein a young female chose to disguise herself as male to better fit in with the crowd.
I don't suspect it might be part of this plot, but I couldn't help but notice even as an animated neopet "she" looked strikingly more female to me.
Sorry guys. And gals, but Hoban's actual "moodiness" gives her away. No "typical guy" freaks out like that when accused of being bad luck.
Hoban acts like someone in doubt, with something to prove, and something to explain (with the candlestick in the dining room? wait no, lol).
And please understand I do speak in terms of energies, not strict genders per se. I acknowledge we all have both energies, but there are characteristics that generally define each one, hence the need for balance.