Since leaving Below Deck Mediterranean, former bosun João Franco has continued on with his studies, working on the build of a 140 foot (43 meter) super yacht which he will soon captain, as he has just earned a master's license. João first appeared as the lead deckhand during Below Deck Med season 3. Captain Sandy Yawn took note of his dedicated work ethic and was thereby pleased to welcome João back for season 4 as her bosun, however, this season proved to be complicated, as João found himself in the middle of a love triangle and at odds with Chief Stew, Hannah Ferrier, causing season 4 to be his last.
Following the close of his time onboard Below Deck Med, João Franco has made great strides in his yachting career. "6 years of yachting, 4 years of captaining smaller vessels. Now time to raise the bar," João announced, just after posting his recent accomplishment, earning a master's license. This is one of the highest levels that can be obtained, allowing João to captain vessels with six or more paying guests plus crew.
"Jack of all trades but OFFICIALLY a MASTER of one! Great exam and an even better result!" João stated, while sharing photos of a new yacht he'll soon captain, explaining to a commenter, "it’ll be ready in July."
João's Achievement Could Lead To A Possible Below Deck Return
Since leaving Below Deck Med, João has also helped to build his future super yacht. João writes, "Being a part of each process of building a 140 foot (43 meter) super yacht before captaining it really adds extra value in so many ways!" Though he seems content moving up the ladder off-air, many commenters speculated on what's next, including a possible return to the Below Deck franchise. "Next #belowdeck captain?" wrote one viewer, while another commented a similar, "Hope you have a return as a captain on Below Deck!" Further comments like these are quickly coming in, though at this time, João has not yet responded to this idea.
Also appearing on João's seasons was the beloved Below Deck Med deckhand, Colin Macy-O'Toole, whom João formed a tight bond with, existing to this present day. Towards the end of filming for Below Deck Med season 4, João told Colin that he'd work with him again anytime, onboard any vessel. Should an opportunity present for João to return to the world of Below Deck as a captain, having Colin onboard as his bosun, or even as just one of his deckhands, would be a full circle moment for this nautical franchise and its long-time viewers, as well as for Colin and João. With João's new license, this concept isn't out of the question.
Personality wise, João struggled during seasons 3 and 4, often warring with Chief Stew Hannah Ferrier while disapproving of stewardess Aesha's carefree attitude towards life and sexuality. While João appeared to have had an antagonistic relationship towards women, possibly leading to his career moving off-air, it's highly likely that he has evolved and learned from his mistakes, as many years have since passed. If given the chance to return, João could show off his latest professional accomplishments, as well as, hopefully, deepened personal growth. While Below Deck Mediterranean already has Captain Sandy, the franchise is always expanding, so perhaps one day soon, João will have an opportunity to return.
Source: João Franco/Instagram João Franco/Instagram