In a message dated 96-06-21 23:42:35 EDT, you write:

<< Um....Two problems here. First, I can't really see a couple of sailors
 managing to take on both Ranma and Genma. Second, why didn't being tossed
 into the ocean trigger their respective curses? The Sea of Japan ain't
 exactly warm, ya know....
  >>

My rebuttal:
I don't think Genma & Ranma could fend off an entire crew.
Even if they could 1) they would have nowhere to run to afterwards.
2) I don't think that they could run a ship by themselves.

Also this takes place on the way to Jusenkyo.. It's a flashback scene!!

Paul