Captain Lee's Thoughts on the New Crew

OK mates, here we are starting a new charter season with some new crew and a new yacht as well. I do have some returning crew as you can see; Kate comes back as well as Eddie and Amy. I kind of like to ease into the new season, take things slow and easy, but I’m not sure I’m going to have that luxury this time. So we have Don, Raquel (AKA Rocky), Connie, Emile, and Leon, the new chef. I did go with a lot of new crew this year, and as you can see, we may be in for some rough water ahead. Hope I don’t end up regretting it. Just from this first charter, I can see that some sparks are starting to fly, and it’s only the first few days. So strap yourselves in and let’s get to it.

Let’s break it down, starting with the charter guests. Steve and his group are great; they are just into having fun, and it appears, lots of it. Not sure about the Aerosmith thing though, that may be a challenge. Have to see how that plays out. Felt bad about the foam party, but Mother Nature does what she likes, when she likes, so it is what it was -- ankle deep. But it didn’t stop Steve from having fun. And that was just day one.

A 'Below Deck' Foam Party Fail

It doesn’t appear like all of my new crew are getting off on the right foot at all. I hope that this is not a preview of coming attractions, because right now I’m not getting a warm and fuzzy feeling about this at all.

Leon has a ton of talent in the galley. I know that he can produce. But I can tell, Leon and Kate are not a match made in heaven. A lot like mixing fire and gasoline. Leon, come on, at least exchange pleasantries before you start making demands and general assumptions about someone and their habits and hygiene. And if you need a sous chef for only six to eight guests, then you do not have the talent that I know you possess. I know that you are better than that and you may want Rocky’s help, but you can’t always get what you want. I’m not sure you are used to being told that though. You may be in for a bit of a surprise. I’m waiting to see how this develops, right now I don’t have high hopes, and it’s so early. We’re only two days into this season.

Rocky scares me a bit, and I’m fearless. It seems like I’m sitting in a room with a grenade and the pin has been pulled, just waiting for it to go off. Second day here and she’s complaining already? “I don’t want to be inside,” why did you take the job? The eye roll so soon, let me see, who does that remind me of from Season 1... Really, up on the Masthead, right next to the radars that are blasting out radiation full bore? What are you thinking? And Emile, she bats her eyes and leads you around like a little puppy dog by your what? Wow! Loved Kate’s reaction to the part about the laundry room as well. Why do I think that there are going to be some huge surprises in store for some of my new crew.

The Biggest Mistake in 'Below Deck' History?

Emile, did you seriously just say, “Wine and dine, 69”? Really? In what world did you think that line was going to play? And I’m glad you think I have a “good selection” on board from which you think you can select something that is to your liking. News flash pal, this is not your personal meat market, and I’m sure you and I are going to have some discussions about that. It does appear to me though that you may have a good work ethic and I am hoping that I’m correct about that -- I think I am. We may have to smooth out some rough edges, but it’s early and I’m not tossing in the towel on you at all, you just may need some polish. You also seem happy to be here and eager to do your job well. There is a lot to be said for that.

Don, it seems you may have some issues with authority, not sure yet, but it doesn’t appear that you are getting off to a good start. You are lucky that it was Eddie calling you on the radio three times with no response and not me. I know it’s early, but if I were you, I would normally wait a little bit before I started bitching about what I was asked to do. Just sayin’. Get to know people a bit before you start stirring things up. Do your job, and the rest will take care of itself. You don’t like deck work, but that’s part of your job; we work as a team and that means sometimes doing a little bit of everything. Check that ego at the door. I don’t like to wash and dry dishes, but sometimes you have to suck it up and get it done, like it or not. Oh and thanks for letting me know that you are the second most important person on board next to me, I might have missed that.

Eddie Butts Heads with Don

Connie seems to be one of two new people on board that is really excited and happy to be here. Haven’t heard her bitching about anything, seems to get on well with everyone, kind of a breath of fresh air when you really need it. She may need some work in the filter department, but I will have to wait as see on that. What you see is what you get with Connie, and I can work with that.

Kate, Eddie, and Amy, glad all of you came back, love having you all back on board. I have faith that you will do well this season and keep your new crew in line, at least I have high hopes for that. I will say from early observations, I think that you all may have your hands full. I’m depending on all of you a lot this season and I have the utmost confidence in all of you. We are half way through the first charter and I see some things that give me an uneasy feeling, but we will just have to wait and see how it plays out. Until next week, wish us luck.