Below Deck vs Reality: Navigating the Waters Between Fiction & Reality

Setting sail into the world of reality television, “Below Deck” has become a captivating glimpse into the glamorous yet demanding lives of superyacht crew. It provides viewers with an insight into a career that they may have never even heard of. However, as viewers immerse themselves in the drama and luxury showcased on screen, it’s essential to peel back the curtain and explore the distinctions between what’s on the screen and the realistic expectations of working on a superyacht. In this blog post, we delve into the six main differences between fiction and reality.

• Charter guests on the show tend not to be the calibre of charter guests that you get in real life. Yes, there is some common ground with both often having extravagant demands however, on the show some guests relish the opportunity to be in the limelight whereas in reality, most charter guests prefer to live a very private life.

• The length of charter portrayed on Below Deck is often only a few days whereas in real life the minimum length of a charter is normally a week. This also affects the calibre of guests that appear on the show. With the charter length being shorter, the cost is lower opening up accessibility to a wider range of people. Some say they even get a discount for being on the show.

• On Below Deck the crew join the yacht the day before the charter and are often seen scrambling to prepare within an impossibly short timeframe. While the drama of the last-minute scramble makes for compelling television, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the reality of yacht charter preparation. The groundwork for a luxury charter is a meticulous process that involves weeks of planning and coordination.

• Below Deck romanticises the roles of yacht crew by showing the glamorous side of working as yacht crew on charter. The show neglects to touch upon what lies beneath the polished surface of yachting – regular maintenance. Yard periods are imperative to any yacht, they involve routine inspections and repairs that take place between charters.

• The show often fails to shine a light on some vital crew members and part of the vessel, the engineers, and the engine room. They hold the key to the yacht’s functionality, yet rarely find their way onto the screen.

• Reality television thrives on drama, and Below Deck is no exception. While conflicts and tensions are inevitable in any workplace, the show may amplify certain situations for entertainment value. It’s crucial for viewers to recognise that the crew dynamics might be influenced by the need for engaging storytelling rather than an accurate representation of everyday life below deck.

The show gives a glimpse of what it entails to be a crew member in the charter world. A reality filled with unparalleled experiences, adventures, and hard work. However, while the drama and dazzling charters make for captivating television, there is more to the narratives presented on the screen.

Liberty

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