Below Deck: Captain Lee Talks Missing Kate Chastain and His New Crew (Exclusive)

Captain Lee Rosbach opens up to ET about season 8 of ‘Below Deck,’ the first since Kate Chastain announced her yachting retirement. Captain Lee recalls being blindsided by Kate’s decision and reveals whether he thinks she’ll ever return to the show. Plus, he shares a message for fans about Kate’s replacement, new chief stew Francesca Rubi, and opens up about the mostly fresh crew on board this year. Season 8 also features a shocking first for Captain Lee! ‘Below Deck’ airs Mondays on Bravo.
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[@reese7299]

I remember the first season of Below Deck and have Always been impressed by Captain Lee man I love his No Bullshit attitude and really miss Kate Chastain on here!!!

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

@@susankeefer5981 you're loved 💓🦋 . Tell me we're you watching from?

[@hollywade6761]

Captain Lee, smart, funny, handsome, wise, hard-working, and on top of all that, a faithful husband. Wow!

[@blessedbeyond2118]

only fault for me with him and this is just me I don't like him say GD all the time other than that he is all you said

[@hollywade6761]

@@blessedbeyond2118 I agree. I also find that uncomfortable anytime someone says it.

[@kayejohnsisland]

@@blessedbeyond2118 same here. I asked if he likes it when peeps cuss his mother by calling him a "son of a bXtch". and see..how does that feel? Well that's how I feel with the constant GD's! that's My Father!

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@hollywade6761]

@@captainleerobachharlod2642 Always.

[@greatgrandmawgaga5807]

CAPTAIN LEE 👏 👏 👏 Now thats a great leader. Captain Sandy needs to watch closely and take notes. 😆

[@brittanymartinn1891]

I stopped watching below deck med. Hope I'm not disappointed at this new cast. Below Deck is the only show I watch on Bravo anymore

[@B-ch6uk]

She's the worst

[@petsmart1506]

Always loved Captain Lee

[@B-ch6uk]

@Amanda L. She's nice but she needs to stop micromanaging everyone and everything. Captain Lee doesn't do that.

[@grammy965]

Sandy just wants camera time she is very thirsty.

[@bobbiejones2629]

You’re the best Capt. Lee. Miss Kate so much.

[@kidkelly8197]

So happy Captain Lee named Eddie as this seasons crew he was most impressed with 👍 Eddie does his job spot on, is respectful & patient but he won't suffer fools ... Give him no drama and he won't give you no drama .. Just do your job right too! You can see (and hear) that Eddie totally. Respects Captain Lee .. If I walked onto a mega boat and saw Captain Lee, Eddie, Francesca and Ashling .. I'd be so happy lol oh and Rachel damn she can cook lol just happy not to be around her when she's pissed or chef freaking out in the galley

[@captainleerosbach7092]

Hello beautiful fan, Thanks for the love and support on here, I really appreciate...where do you write to me from? Don't forget to watch out for some new series. Much love!

[@RinasAMaker]

I LOOOOVE Captain Lee!! I think he’s an amazing person and would be a great boss to have! Having Kate as a charter guest would be awesome - and well deserved!

[@captainleerobachharold5762]

thank you so much for the love

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@monzettamcferrin5721]

I so love this show and especially Captain Lee!

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@earlenepeterson8065]

Kate has a talent that is difficult to surpass. Aside from her very stressful job, to go out and create a business that totally gives to those in need, on a continuing basis. Thanks Kate...you rock.

[@turkeysandtiaras2623]

Kate!!!! Oh we miss you precious 💜

[@junebalsam3539]

A class act. Ever mixing business with anything. A time to work and a time to play. Well done Kate. 👍

[@NicquiMadden]

Absolutely!

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@nopandakit8051]

Captain Lee is amazing! Always love to hear his take on things.

[@captainleerosbach7092]

Hello beautiful fan, Thanks for the love and support on here, I really appreciate.. Don't forget to watch out for some new series. Also, Where do you write to me from?

[@rwilson7197]

Kate suffered through lots of abuse from several of her shipmates last show. It was disgusting how badly they treated her. So I'm glad Kate resigned for her own sake.

[@staceytroffer8287]

I agree, but I wish they would have talked Kate into staying and replaced the rest of the CREW!!!!!

[@staceytroffer8287]

Captain Lee even says in several episodes that Kate is like a daughter to him.

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@rhondagardner9109]

okay this is Rhonda from homestead girl you know better than that you never give up and you never give in but you gave it your all and your bed I respect you and love you for that all right smooches love you girl but don't ever give up that's not you

[@rhondagardner9109]

Exactly and I understand that and I saw that and they were always like picking on cake cuz they jealous of father and daughter I get treated like that at home too and I have a stepfather girls are going to be girls and Kathie Lee is the best father that I know one of in this world God bless him and his family and you two cakes and don't you ever give up Kate don't you ever do that you're my idol girl Hi how are you girl and make sure take care of Captain and Amy his wife I love you all so very much inspiration to me Kate and captain Lee and his wife did I say her name I love you in kate you always be your daughter the captain Lee . I just love you guys and Mama Mama Lee..😊 Kate.

[@carrie8449]

Always loved Captain Lee! Can’t wait for this season!!

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@donitawhite8111]

I absolutely love Captain Lee! I miss Kate so much. I can't wait to watch season 9 this fall. 🥰❤ Maybe Kate will come back... please Kate, come back. 🙏🙏

[@captainleerosbach7092]

Hello beautiful fan, Thanks for the love and support on here, I really appreciate...where do you write to me from? Don't forget to watch out for some new series. Much love!

[@poutygorilla2698]

Captain Lee is awesome ❣

[@breagan3507]

Things will not be the same with Kate. Kate come back 🙏🏻🙏🏻💓💓🏄‍♂️ gotta love you

[@atheist-thatsall6881]

Why is everyone calling this season's shortened charter a Below Deck first? Am I the only one that remembers Below Deck season 1 Ep 1 (Ep 2 if you count the preview show) Charter 1 Johnny Eyelash with the soiled bathrobe as described by deckhand Dave? That was the first time a charter was cut short. Capt. Lee turned the boat around and kicked them off the boat after Kat reported a "white substance" in a guest cabin.

[@donitawhite8111]

Yes you're correct.

[@junebalsam3539]

Kate is a tough act to follow. Kate is the personification of a professional. I admired her from the beginning.

[@mariancounsellor]

Definitely not professional unless you consider getting drunk and throwing staff uniforms in the floor, gossiping about guests, never smiling, arguing with the chefs, creating conflict amongst the crew, bullying crew members, and speaking disrespectfully towards most people professional?

[@eleanorkulas9168]

I loved the “ rocket towel “ Kate made for a guess

[@donitawhite8111]

Me too. That was hilarious!

[@bebaaliciacreations]

Very nice interview 👍👏 thanks for share 👏👍 Happy Monday 😘

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@malenaloor1750]

Siempre bello mi capitán Lee siga así....Katy y usted son los mejores bendiciones desde Ecuador.

[@melissanovember1]

Kate was my favorite!

[@rwilson7197]

Me too ❤

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@jesscorletto4963]

I would enjoy Caption Lee being my boss he is so reasonable, gives great advice and how he speaks so layed back

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@gloriaharvell6919]

Love this conversation with Captain Lee and what he said about Francesca. Not to judge Francesca against the void left by Kate.

[@captainleerosbach7092]

Hello beautiful fan, Thanks for the love and support on here, I really appreciate.. Don't forget to watch out for some new series. Also. Where do you write to me from?

[@derickspawn6706]

I love that show!!!💯

[@coloradoken3159]

I have that same "bubble" when I take cruises.

[@moxig5717]

How many people secretly we’re hoping Kate was coming back this season if the new chief stew didn’t work out?

[@moxig5717]

@ but like she said one time, she’s not being mean, she’s thinking about what they need. I think once people realize there are no hurricanes when Kate is in control, they would rather have a mean face than somebody who smiles and doesn’t know how to do things

@@moxig5717you are so wrong. in the service industry, you HAVE to smile all the time in front of the customers. NO one wants to see a mean face from someone who is serving them. or are you saying kate is to dumb to think and smile at the same time? if you look, you can see people who are miserable from kate's meanness still smile in front of the customers.

[@Danielle-rv6rn]

No, she was a miserable cow.

[@cassieblackmoore2776]

I love Captain. He is so knowledgeable about everything. He's much younger but reminds me of my dad. I also love the way he speaks of his wife. More men should listen to him

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the unconditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓💝

[@deweylasv]

DAMMIT KATE!! We miss you!!

[@gloriaharvell6919]

I'm glad Captain Lee said he'd work with Hannah and he'd do things differently than Sandy .

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@enasajackson2319]

ii like this CAPTAIN......"there's NO crying 😭in yachting".....hahhahahhaaaaaa😂

[@jazzyc9379]

Just like... "there's No crying in baseball!!!"

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@gloriaharvell6919]

Great interview Captain Lee!

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@vilmaventura3075]

Capitão Lee e o melhor!!🥰

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@kennethhall9202]

The crew look like models. Easy on the eyes love it 😍 Kate miss her she was so cool professional beautiful woman

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@rickroser59]

Its Great Show

[@maggieblalock7333]

I just love captain Lee

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@prissouv9995]

I love below deck with captain lee

[@patriciawhitehead1976]

Love Capt Lee.❤

[@Poohtle]

Good for Captain Lee, a lovely man who doesn’t believe in his ‘celebrity’ but just doing his job with camera man. Completely unaffected by his ‘fame’, just a lovely, fair minded man.

[@hgps01]

As a older person who pilots a 36 footer I have a few a lot of boat questions for Capt. Lee. I watch not for the person side of things but for the management side too. How many years have you been a Captain ? Have you ever had any accidents. EX. when the boat was leaving the dock one time and it should have been in neutral and someone shifted engines to forward?

[@tkine97]

He is admirable. At least from what I've seen from the show. The fact he got on so well with Kate (she rocks also). His wonderful comments about his wife. His fair assessments about his crew. He is quite sublime. If only the former president had a drop of the captain's integrity.

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@sharoncross7928]

Captain Lee is great😍

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@librasoul1705]

Love me some Captain Lee chile! 🥰😍

[@captainleerosbach7092]

Hello beautiful fan, Thanks for the love and support on here, I really appreciate.. Don't forget to watch out for some new series. Also, Where do you write to me from?

[@jetfischler75]

Yessssssss

[@elizabethtaylor8428]

Captain Lee is the best!

[@rhondagardner9109]

Captain Lee you're the best father a man love you

[@boedhabeertje2249]

Capitein Lee is oprecht & zo hoord dat ook te zijn👍

[@franielee38]

Yay Captain Lee!!!

[@captainleerobachharold5762]

hello thank you for your love and support all this years

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

You're loved 💓 🦋

[@lindafudge57]

Hes a great man. I love that he loves his wife and shows it.

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@ainz12]

I just binge watched this! Omg I love #captainlee & Kate !!!I would love to work for them,, leaders !!! Why does any one , think they can talk to superior like that? Boss lady Kate ❤️

[@GaryD9871]

Kate leads, but, not through example. Lee leads by sitting in his chair like Poseidon.

[@imjustsaying6712]

Didnt captain Lee throw charter guests off the boat once before because one of them brought drugs on charter that the stews found?

[@donitawhite8111]

Yes. That was season 1 if I'm remembering correctly.

[@MsPandachen]

Yes but they had no choice about that.

[@chante707]

💙Captain Lee

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the unconditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓💝

[@pattijack]

They need much more mature women to work as chief stew and 2nd and 3rd. These young gals don’t know the meaning of hard work and steady pace.

[@captainleerobachharold5762]

we are working on it. how are you doing

[@gabgez2643]

Capitán Lee saludos desde la historia y bella Ciudad de Querétaro, Mexico. Me encanta éste programa 👍

[@staceytroffer8287]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ CAPTAIN LEE❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@TheCatfish1975]

I got fed up with how Captain Sandy did things. I took them off my DVR.

[@markm5174]

Who is Captain Sandy?

[@tommydecastro2047]

I think the reason why this season was smoother is due to Kate’s absence. I liked kate but a change was needed.

[@mariefox5667]

Kate miss you

[@anniemcdougal2249]

At least Captain Lee didn't leave. I don't want to see all new people. I HATED the sailing yacht.

[@captainleerobachharold5762]

wow. I am honoured by your love, how are you doing

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the unconditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓💝

[@susankeefer5981]

I love Captain Lee! I miss Kate. Captain Sandy and BDM sucks. 🛳 🤗

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@mariancounsellor]

I actually prefer Captain Lee since Kate left. He’s calmer because he doesn’t have to deal with the drama and Kate can’t manipulate him into being biased towards crew anymore. Francesca has a warm and gentle personality and the relationship between her and Captain Lee is how it should be. With Eddy as Bosun, the series was just more enjoyable. Captain Lee throwing the guest off the boat when she jumped in the sea drunk was funny and it’s good to see him have dinner with the guests. I think he has a good friendship with Kate but she doesn’t respect him but takes advantage so that isn’t conducive to a fairly run charter. When Caroline was being bullied and went to Captain Lee, Kate manipulated that situation and she also got involved in too many conversations about the Deck Crew to try to negatively influence Captain Lee’s decisions. That’s not a person with a good character.

[@captainleerosbach7092]

Hello beautiful fan, Thanks for the love and support on here, I really appreciate...where do you write to me from? Don't forget to watch out for some new series. Much love!

[@PabloGRocks]

I miss Kate but I do like Francesca. And Captain Lee is the best as usual

[@captainleerosbach7092]

Hello beautiful fan, Thanks for the love and support on here, I really appreciate...where do you write to me from? Don't forget to watch out for some new series. Much love!

[@rogeeeferrari]

I'm thru episode #8 and what a train wreck !!!

[@walidagdid3471]

we miss kate and ben

[@michaelhagberg2373]

I miss Kate to, but so far I thinner Franscesca has Done a god job.

[@marciamellow1211]

Like him...

[@captainleerosbach7092]

I’m wowed by your love beautiful Fan. Much love

[@montydanable]

Why does he always say, "I didn't see it coming?"

[@MK_1Ultra]

BRING KATE BACK!! Honestly not watching season 8 like I didn't watch season 1.

[@TheWenven]

I love Kate. But the season is pretty entertaining. The chef is soooo crazy lol

[@Xenomorph788]

Captain Lee is soooo much more effective a leader than Captain Sandy, hands down.

[@JulieR73]

That guy that says I wonder what the poor people are doing today? is a total snob!

[@captainleerosbach7092]

Hello beautiful fan, Thanks for the love and support on here, I really appreciate.. Don't forget to watch out for some new series. Also, Where do you write to me from?

[@ellenherman9543]

Follow captains orders...dont judge!

[@fionaclacken2024]

😘😘😘

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the uncoditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓

[@fionaclacken2024]

@@captainleerobachharlod2642 Very much welcome love have a blessed day

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

@@fionaclacken2024 you're loved 💓🦋 . Tell me what part of the world are you watching from?

[@fionaclacken2024]

Canada 🇨🇦

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

@@fionaclacken2024 you're loved 💝. Tell me what's your means of communication so we could keep in touch ?

[@marktaylor6329]

Bring back Ben!

[@zorra51954]

Haven't watched since Kate left.

[@grammy965]

Best show on Bravo. I was a die-hard fan of all the housewives shows but I am really getting sick of them.

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the unconditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓💝

[@soniarenforth5097]

Captain sandy take notes from a real captain lee....dont drag your crew for ratings

[@rogerbrandt6678]

Eddie is great but he should of never appointed that lady as chief, she was inside crew, couldn’t make it, then when she was appointed head shammy it really went to her head, like when she met the guy at the end of the season, she talked to him like she was the captain, like fo.

[@kellyweber7400]

Kate is witty and funny super fun to watch Francesca was just so boring! Beautiful but BORING...

[@savannahmeredith1883]

Iee new season is a farce. New chief stew is too nice. You need a mean chief stew. Put your foot down.

[@micukennedy4630]

His house is very normal not richie and we all no he got money

[@karenabroadhead8214]

People with real money live this way in the U. S.

[@MamaMia-ye2be]

I really don’t like this season. I can’t warm up to anyone on the crew. I think Kate brought the show together. Sorry. Love capt lee but........

[@Pikapichuu]

Atleast we got Eddie back

[@vongaichiwade164]

I thought the same at the start but now it’s getting so good!

[@captainleerobachharlod2642]

Thanks for the unconditional love that you have shared with I and the crew 💓💝

[@pamelabrown9484]

Its odd that this man makes excuses for his "favorites" whose morals and work ethic suck...

[@Howie241]

God Kate was such a hypocrite and he’s allowed her toxic behavior and attitude. So glad she has gone.

[@mariefox5667]

The new chief stew is horrible

[@superman198224]

CPT Sandy > CPT Lee. Change my mind.

[@sandbach7195]

ohh please Kate played him like an old fool. She got away with drinking on charter and being a bully.

[@nzmermaid]

I don't understand why everyone loves Kate. I have only seen the last season and she was awful to ppl and seems so cold.

[@B-ch6uk]

The Capt is obsessed with Kate. She can't do anything wrong in his eyes

[@jeanetteriley5810]

I much prefer captain sandy...

[@captainleerosbach7092]

Thanks for seeing the show beautiful fan. Much love, and where do you write from ?

[@jeanetteriley5810]

@@captainleerosbach7092 I write from England.

[@captainleerosbach7092]

@@jeanetteriley5810 oh that’s nice…it’s a pleasure to have a fan from that ends….how old are you and what do you also do?

[@jeanetteriley5810]

@@captainleerosbach7092 I am 45, and am very lucky to be able to have retired early and lead a very comfortable life...I am single, have 2 amazing sons, and the love of my life is my German Shepherd named Jack..Hes so spoilt i bought a big estate car so he had plenty of room in the boot..Hes always with me 😃......

[@captainleerosbach7092]

@@jeanetteriley5810 oh that’s good to hear…I am glad to hear from you once more and I will love getting to know you more….if you don’t mind I will love getting to speak to you more privately outside my public channel….send to me your email address so as to speak to each other more easily beautiful

[@jessicalim4938]

Why are all the chief stews white and blonde?

[@Mars-qx7mq]

So they can match the Bosuns. If you pay attention they have the a few seconds every season when then have the darker complexion folks pop out of "Below" Below Deck and on appear on camera. Usually some disaster has to happen, like mechanical problems with the anchor or a fire in the galley.