Differences arose between Barnes and MacLaren because Barnes was, in Derek Birley's words, "the arch-professional (who) expected due reward (for his efforts)". This was in stark contrast to MacLaren's "starry-eyed public school enthusiasm" and the two did not get on personally. After leaving Australia, the team were crossing the Tasman Sea in a storm which had them "fearing for their lives". At one point, MacLaren was heard to say: "Well, there's one consolation. If we go down, that bugger Barnes will go down with us".