Nautical Drama: Learning Respect and Hierarchy on Below Deck
During a tense episode of Bravo’s hit series Below Deck, stew Solène Favreau found herself in hot water after an uncomfortable confrontation with Captain Kerry. The episode, which aired on September 1, highlighted the importance of workplace hierarchy and proper communication on the high-pressure luxury yacht. Chief steward Fraser Olender had noticed Solène’s problematic work ethic, particularly her habit of taking frequent breaks. In an attempt to improve her performance, Fraser asked bosun Hugo Ortega to speak with the deck crew about not distracting Solène during her shifts. When Solène discovered this arrangement, she embarked on a misguided mission to identify who had initiated the request, leading to a public confrontation with Captain Kerry that demonstrated her lack of understanding about proper workplace etiquette in the maritime industry.
The confrontation occurred during a crew lunch, where Solène directly accused Captain Kerry of issuing the order to keep the deck crew away from her. The captain was visibly displeased with both her assumption and her approach, explaining calmly but firmly, “My understanding is Fraser asked the deck crew to stop distracting you so you can do your job, because he wants you to succeed in the job.” In a later confessional, Captain Kerry expressed his deeper concerns about Solène’s conduct, stating, “I don’t think she quite understands how to talk to your superior — especially the captain of the vessel.” This moment highlighted the strict hierarchy that exists on luxury yachts, where respect for authority isn’t just about politeness but is fundamental to the operation and safety of the vessel and everyone aboard.
The incident prompted a private meeting between Captain Kerry and Fraser to discuss Solène’s future with the crew. While Fraser was reluctant to fire Solène, especially with the final charter approaching, he acknowledged the significant concerns about her conduct. Captain Kerry specifically referenced the uncomfortable public conversation as evidence of Solène’s need for substantial improvement, telling Fraser, “I just want to go over the uncomfortable conversation at the table. I was a bit thrown off. It was a bit bold of her to just come out like that. Let her know that was inappropriate. I am not her work mate.” This conversation underscored the delicate balance Fraser faced as a manager—wanting to support his team member while also maintaining the professional standards expected by the captain and demanded by the luxury yachting industry.
Season 12 of Below Deck has featured a dynamic mix of returning and new crew members, creating an environment ripe for both drama and growth. Alongside returning members Kyle Stillie, Fraser, Captain Kerry, and Chef Anthony Iracane, the season introduced new faces including Chef Lawrence Snowden, bosun Caio Poltronieri, deckhands Jess Theron and Damo Yorg, and stews Barbara Kulaif, Rainbeau de Roos, and Solène. This blend of experienced and fresh personalities has created a compelling narrative throughout the season, with the tensions between Solène and the leadership being just one of many storylines captivating viewers. The maritime setting adds an additional layer of complexity to workplace dynamics, as crew members must not only perform their specific duties to high standards but must also adapt to the confined space and hierarchical structure inherent to life at sea.
Fraser has hinted at even more dramatic developments to come in the season, revealing in a May interview with Us Weekly that viewers should expect both firings and hirings as the season progresses. “There are firings. There are hirings,” he teased. “There are disasters left, right and center. But I cannot tell you enough how dramatic and how fun this season is. It is nonstop.” His comments suggest that Solène’s story may be just one of several personnel changes that will shape the remainder of the season, keeping audiences engaged with the ever-evolving dynamics aboard the luxury yacht. The chief steward’s emphasis on wanting to build a harmonious team amid the chaos speaks to his growth since his first appearance on the show and his evolving leadership philosophy.
Despite the challenges and tensions, Fraser expressed optimism about the season and his goals as a leader. “I was so excited to get into this season. I think I’ve grown so much since I first started out on the show — and you never know what you’re going to get as a crew,” he shared. “But I just wanted to make sure that out of any season, this one is where I wanted to bring my crew to the best of their ability. I wanted harmony and I wanted love and friendship and peace amongst all the madness. I think we succeeded.” His perspective highlights the dual nature of Below Deck as both entertainment and a genuine workplace documentary, where professional growth and interpersonal relationships develop under the watchful eye of cameras. As the show continues to air on Bravo Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes streaming the next day on Peacock, audiences will discover whether Solène can adapt to the yachting hierarchy or if her journey with the crew will come to an premature end.
