Below Deck is a show on Bravo that follows the crew of a superyacht under the supervision of Captain Lee. Viewers watch as the deckhands and stewardesses go about their daily activities and interact with the guests. It is easy to learn a lot from the show as viewers watch the crew members hard at work for days at a time.
We have compiled a list of things viewers can pick up on about the yachting experience through watching this series. Some points may be pretty straightforward, while others might surprise fans of this series. Keep reading to learn about 10 things Below Deck teaches us about yachting!
A Bosun Directs The Deckhands
The first term that we hear thrown around is 'bosun,' which is the word for the leader of the deckhands. They have numerous years of experience on yachts and are responsible for directing the deckhands and training those who might not be up to par with the yacht's practices.
A bosun has direct communication with the captain and discusses with them ways in which they can improve, as well as the various activities for guests throughout the day. It can be quite stressful if the deckhands refuse to cooperate under their direction, but they are vitally important to things like docking and pulling the anchor.
Never Leave A Porthole Open
Andrew Sturgy, in season 2, shared with us why it is important to never leave a porthole open on the lower decks of a yacht, especially when it's moving. He made this mistake, and it led to water spilling over their bathroom and cabin floor.
This is never a good scenario as the saltwater will eat away at the interior of the ship. The lesson learned here is that it is just better to keep them closed to avoid any watery catastrophes.
The Entire Crew Has To Work Together
It might seem like deckhands, stewardesses, and chefs each have their own separate areas, but they actually have to meld well together for charters to go smoothly. Throughout the series, it is not uncommon for one group to ask another for help, but sometimes they overstep their boundaries.
We see deckhands growing upset as the stewardesses ask them to perform more tasks that are not in their job requirements, and chefs who want to cook and serve the meal themselves. It can grow hectic if these groups fail to bond as it can lead to fighting and a lack of progress being made while out on a charter.
Crew Members Come From All Over The World
The yachting industry is full of characters from all over the world as we see crew members coming from the United States, Africa, England, and so on. They each come from different cultures and learning backgrounds, which is important to understand as the crew works together.
It can be hard at first to see something from someone else's point of view when they were raised in an entirely different manner. It was surprising for fans to see as various people left their homes and families behind to join the yachting industry for a little while.
The Food Must Be Decadent
The yachts only hire chefs who are professionally trained, and many have learned the trade through fancy schools and internships. The food they create is something that would be found in a five-star restaurant with plates more than many of our daily salaries.
We knew that this was an expensive trip, but the meals they make take it to a whole new level. It was even surprising to us when some guests were not wowed by certain dishes as we sat at home with our mouth's watering.
Certifications And Training Are Required
It might seem easy to become a stewardess or deckhand, but it actually requires special training and certifications. The deckhands must have taken courses or had training regarding navigation and engines, as well as some specialty licenses that give them a special edge.
Stewardesses also have specialized training, but it is usually in areas of professional maid services, mixology, and basic safety courses for yachts. Many of those hired onto the show have previous yachting or boating experience that proves their capability to handle themselves while out at sea.
The Galley Is The Kitchen
It is common to hear the word 'galley' throughout the show, and viewers soon learn that this applies to the kitchen on the ship. They also tend to use the term more loosely to apply to the dining area for the workers as well.
The amount of space given to the chef varies depending on the ship, and some are better than others. It is easy to pick out a favorite galley based on the amount of counter and freezer space that the chef is allowed to use to prepare meals for both the guests and crew.
Crew Members Must Be Problem Solvers
Problems come up more often than the crew would like to admit, which is why it is important that they be problem solvers. It could be something as dire as a rainy day that cancels a beach trip, or as simple as a lack of an ingredient for a drink.
Things happen, and it is up to the crew to make hasty decisions in order to keep the guests happy and safe at the same time. It is easy to pick out who excels at this and who doesn't, as those who fail tend not to hide their failings as well as the others.
The Stewardesses Do Everyone's Laundry
The crew, along with the guests, where clothing every day, and it is up to the stewardesses to keep up with all of the laundries. This includes everything from towels and sheets to both crew and guest laundry.
It can be grueling work at times, especially when it comes to steaming and folding various items. This task grows even worse when mysterious stains need to be removed from various things, and drastic measures must be taken.
The Work Is Not Easy
The biggest misconception many of the crew members have before boarding the ship is that it will be an easy job. This is not true at all, as the crew is constantly working for hours on end during a charter.
They are given small breaks from time to time to eat, sleep, and use the restroom, but it can cause some to slowly lose their minds. Crew members must always be on top of it and can only relax one night a week when they are given a day off.