Captain Lee: I'm Not Sure Everyone Will Make It to the End

Right when I think things couldn’t possibly get worse, my Uncle Murphy (Murphy’s Law) shows up again. I was really hoping that the crew would have progressed a bit further than they have. Kate Chastain and Nico Scholly really have their hands full this season, and I’m not sure everyone will survive till the end.

Nico, I totally get what you’re having to deal with, the personal issues and the work issues. And I do sympathize with you. You can show the crew how you want things done, show them how to tie knots and how to cleat off a line, but you can’t make them learn or retain any of it. That is something they have to do themselves, and they should want to. I’m seeing a glimmer of hope from some of your crew, but others not so much. I have to shoulder part of the blame for the dent we put in the boat. I should have gone with my first instinct not to let them handle the lines, because I really didn’t have the confidence they could handle the task. I really wanted to be wrong. I know you’re trying to do your best, and it shows, and I appreciate it. You just don’t have much to work with, and some of their attitudes suck. Time will tell. Stay the course, sir. I’m with you.

Baker Manning, I’m still pleased with you, but you definitely let one slide by you by not catching the spring line not being released. That being said, you are putting forth a real effort to improve, and it shows. Your attitude is one that I can work with anytime. Love the upbeat positive vibe you give off. That mistake won’t keep you down at all, and you weren’t the only one there. I’ll save him for later. Keep it up.

Bruno Duarte, right when you take some steps forward, you take two steps back. I can see the good effort you are putting forward to work hard and to learn. But when you are the late guy, and the chief stew — who, by the way, outranks you — asks a favor, it is definitely not your place to give her grief because you’re tired. Would you have done that if I had asked you? I think not; if you did, it would have been the last request you ever said no to on this boat. Everyone is tired. It’s what we do as part of our job description. If you’re not tired most of the time on charter, odds are that you’re not doing your job well. And then you decided to talk to Nico about it, like he doesn’t have enough problems without you whining to him about being asked to help. Here’s the deal, Bruno: if you’re going to complain to your boss, give him the straight truth, not what you perceived was going on. What I saw transpire with you and Kate didn’t exactly jive with what you told Nico. She asked you to come and spend maybe ten minutes with the guests, do a little dancing, and then leave, You said told her you were too tired, but somehow that got left out of the conversation with Nico. Hmm. Let’s see where we go from here.

Oh, Jennifer Howell. “I’m never drunk.” I’m not sure I’m buying what you are selling. I have seen one night out that didn’t end well for you and then a subsequent night out that ended with you having to be helped to your bunk. Then you spend the rest of it searching for someone to vent to. OK, I think you are hilarious. I love your bubbly personality, but get a grip. We live and work in the real world, so suck it up, cupcake. The wine key is where you left it the last time, along with the bottle opener. Nobody hid it from you. Yes, you are the low person on the totem pole, but whether you stay there is up to you. I have a blank piece of paper in my wheelhouse that has written on it what you are entitled to. Blank because we serve at the pleasure of our owner and guests — get the picture? I get that you are in an environment that is out of your comfort level, but it is what it is, and we have to find a way to make it work. I think you will be fine. At least, that is my hope because I like you.

Jennifer Howell Has a Meltdown

Kate, I’m still amazed that you didn’t fall in the drink when Bruno didn’t pull the tender in close enough and hold it there so you could get on. Not giving kudos to the first mate that wouldn’t get his big ass out of the way either. Setting that aside, did you see how fast Jen got out of the stall when you said you were leaving her? Wow, fear does motivate. One thing that also struck me was you giving advice to Jesus. I thought I heard you say, "I’m going to teach you something." I was so impressed by that. Best line of the night for me. I was equally impressed with your “walk of shame.” I thought you handled it quite well and took the ribbing from the crew in stride, as you should have. We have all been there; me, in a previous life of course.

Kate Chastain Went to "Church"

I watched the discourse between you and Bruno and tried to match what happened with what he told Nico. I was truly amazed at the disparity of it. I thought you had a good week considering what we were dealing with and when caught with the walk of shame. Well done. For those of you who sit out there and say I’m partial, you’re right — I am to those who do their jobs, do it well, and own their mistakes.

Moving along to Briana Adekeye. Girl, I think that you have progressed well. I am impressed with your attitude and your work ethic. Remarkable to witness in a young person. Kudos. The way you dealt with Chris Brown was refreshing to see. He needed to hear that, and you delivered your message with class and dignity. Well done. I’m sticking with my previous assessment of you. Very bright future.

Matt Burns, what can I say? The guests were all happy, and you were a big part of that. I would really love to see what you can do when you cut loose and get out of your comfort zone. I’m willing to bet that there are some talents waiting to shine. You get on well with everyone, and the guests love what you’re serving. Keep it up, but don’t be afraid to push the envelope a bit. I have a hunch that you’re concealing a wild side that is itching to get out.

And that leaves us with Chris. Just when I think you couldn’t surprise me any more than you have, you amaze me. You were standing next to Baker, but bore no responsibility for the incident. Amazing. Let’s look at this. Everyone knows when I say “bow” (the pointy end of the boat) to “stern” (that’s the square end), that the lines should come off in that order. One right after the other, right? So you stand there, along with Baker, and watch the dockhand skip a line and say nothing. Did you think we could leave the dock without releasing that line? Who knows? And then, after things went south, you had nothing to do with it, and it wasn’t your fault! So I decide to let you do an anchor watch that we don’t need to do in order to, I don’t know, maybe get your attention as to what you should be doing, and you decide to give me advice on how to do my job — not once but twice. You need to do a bit of reflection on your priorities, sir, and I would suggest you do it in a timely fashion.

So, I’m back after some weeks dealing with the storms that have come our way. We’re all in pretty good shape, some much better than others, but we’re all pulling together to get back to where we were. Thanks to all of you for your understanding and support. It is appreciated beyond belief, and I personally cannot thank you enough for Mary Anne and myself. We’re very touched by the outpouring of support.

Till next time, fair winds and following seas to you all.   

Get a sneak peek at the next #BelowDeck now:

Chef Matt Drops the Ball with This Meal