Ever wondered who owns those beautiful yachts featured on Bravo’s hit reality show “Below Deck”? The popular series gives viewers a glimpse into the world of luxury yachting, but the ownership of these vessels often remains a mystery to casual fans.
The yachts on “Below Deck” are typically owned by wealthy individuals who loan their vessels to the show. Some of these owners include Bobby Genovese, who owns the yacht BG (featured as Valor), and the Pears brothers, who own Talisman.
These yacht owners often see the show as a marketing opportunity, allowing them to charter their vessels to wealthy clients when not being used for filming. For example, the yacht Parsifal III featured on “Below Deck Sailing Yacht” is co-owned by Kim Vibe-Peterson and Rene Sindlev, who have benefited from the exposure.
The owners usually remain behind the scenes while the crew handles day-to-day operations during filming.
Key Takeaways
- Luxury yachts featured on Below Deck are owned by wealthy individuals who loan their vessels to the Bravo reality show for filming.
- Yacht owners like Bobby Genovese and the Pears brothers use the show as a marketing opportunity to promote charter bookings.
- The production costs of Below Deck are substantial, with yacht owners receiving compensation while the vessels continue to be available for charter when not filming.
Overview of ‘Below Deck’
‘Below Deck’ is a popular reality TV show that chronicles the lives of crew members who work and live on luxury yachts during charter season. The series gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at what happens on these magnificent vessels.
The show features different superyachts each season, with camera crews capturing all the drama that unfolds. These yachts are not studio sets but actual working vessels that wealthy clients charter for vacations.
Each yacht on the show is impressive in size and amenities. They typically range from 150 to 180 feet in length and can cost anywhere from $15 million to over $20 million.
During filming, these vessels are part of the yacht charter business, with real guests paying reduced rates to be featured on television. The charter guests still enjoy luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, and exciting water activities.
The crew includes a captain, chef, interior staff, and deck crew who work together to provide a five-star experience. Viewers get to see both the professional service and the personal conflicts that develop.
The show has become quite influential in the yachting world, bringing more attention to the industry. Many yacht owners have found that appearing on the show can increase the profile of their vessel.
Since its debut in 2013, ‘Below Deck’ has expanded into a franchise with several spinoffs set in different exotic locations around the world.
Ownership and Management of Yachts Featured on ‘Below Deck’
The luxury vessels seen on the hit reality show ‘Below Deck’ have fascinating ownership stories behind the glamorous on-screen adventures. These yachts represent significant investments and complex business arrangements.
The Role of Production Companies
The production companies behind ‘Below Deck’ don’t actually own the featured yachts. Instead, they lease these vessels for filming periods, typically spanning about six weeks. During this time, the production team transforms these luxury boats into floating TV sets.
Charter guests on the show pay a reduced rate compared to normal charter fees, usually around $40,000-$45,000 for a shorter stay. This arrangement benefits both the yacht owners and the show’s production.
The show creates an interesting business opportunity for yacht owners. After appearing on ‘Below Deck’, many vessels experience increased charter interest due to their television fame, making the temporary disruption worthwhile for owners.
Real Owners vs. On-Screen Representation
Several real yacht owners have embraced their vessels’ TV careers. Bobby Genovese, owner of the yacht ‘Valor’ (real name: BG), has openly highlighted his yacht’s appearance across three seasons of Below Deck. As a Canadian businessman, Genovese saw the show as positive publicity.
Another notable ownership example involves Kim Vibe-Peterson and Rene Sindlev, who share 50% ownership of one of the featured yachts. Sindlev serves as chairman of Enochian BioSciences alongside his yacht investment.
The superyacht ‘Home’, featured in ‘Below Deck Mediterranean’, is a 164-foot vessel built by Heesen and was their first hybrid yacht. These impressive vessels often have equally impressive owners behind them.
Chartering the Yacht
Want to experience life on a Below Deck yacht yourself? Chartering one of these luxury vessels comes with specific costs and amenities that viewers might be curious about.
How Charter Fees Work
Chartering a yacht featured on Below Deck isn’t cheap! Most of these luxury vessels cost around $150,000 per week for the base charter fee. This price can vary based on the specific yacht and season.
The charter fee typically covers the vessel itself and the crew’s service. For example, when you charter BG (known as Valor on the show), owned by Canadian businessman Bobby Genovese, you’re paying for both the luxurious boat and the professional staff.
Don’t forget about tips! The crew expects a gratuity of about 15-20% of the charter fee. This can add $20,000-$30,000 to your total bill.
What’s Included in a Charter
The base charter includes access to the yacht’s staterooms, common areas, and most onboard amenities. Each yacht offers different accommodations, but all provide luxurious living spaces.
Water toys are usually part of the package. These might include:
- Jet skis
- Paddleboards
- Water slides
- Snorkeling equipment
- Inflatable platforms
What’s not included? Airfare to and from the yacht’s location is separate. You’ll also pay extra for:
- Food and beverages
- Dockage fees
- Fuel surcharges
Special requests, like specific alcohol brands or exotic foods, typically come with additional charges. Some yachts like Parsifal III, owned by Danish entrepreneur Kim Vibe-Petersen, might offer premium experiences at premium prices.
Meet the Crew
The heart of any yacht experience is the dedicated crew who work tirelessly to ensure guests enjoy their luxury voyage. Below Deck showcases the real personalities who make these charter experiences possible.
Captain Lee Rosbach and Other Captains
Captain Lee Rosbach, known as the “Stud of the Sea,” has been the familiar face of Below Deck for many seasons. His no-nonsense leadership style and memorable one-liners have made him a fan favorite.
Other captains have also taken the helm throughout the franchise. Captain Sandy Yawn leads Below Deck Mediterranean with her hands-on approach. Captain Jason Chambers brings his expertise to Below Deck Down Under.
Captain Glenn Shephard steers the impressive Parsifal III on Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Each captain brings their unique management style while maintaining safety and guest satisfaction as top priorities.
Crew Member Roles and Responsibilities
The yacht crew is divided into several key departments. The deck team handles exterior operations like anchoring, water toys, and boat maintenance. Led by a bosun, deckhands ensure everything outside runs smoothly.
The interior crew, managed by a chief stew, takes care of housekeeping, service, and guest comfort. They clean cabins, serve meals, and create special experiences for charter guests.
The yacht chef works independently to create gourmet meals under pressure. They must accommodate dietary restrictions while impressing guests with high-end cuisine.
Below Deck chronicles how these “yachties” live and work in close quarters. The crew balances professional duties with personal relationships, often working 16+ hour days to earn substantial tips from satisfied guests.
Life Onboard a ‘Below Deck’ Yacht
The yachts featured on Below Deck offer a glimpse into the lavish maritime lifestyle that combines luxury accommodations with five-star service. Both guests and crew experience the yacht differently, with unique challenges and perks for everyone onboard.
The Luxury Experience for Guests
Guests on Below Deck yachts enjoy an exclusive experience that few people ever get to have. Charter guests typically pay between $150,000 to $200,000 for a few days of luxury. Their every need is catered to by the dedicated crew members who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
The primary guest suite usually features plush bedding, premium amenities, and stunning ocean views. Guests can expect personalized service, with the crew remembering their preferences from favorite drinks to specific dietary requirements.
The “preference sheet” plays a big role in customizing each charter. This document details everything from food allergies to activity preferences, allowing the crew to create a tailored experience for each guest group.
Daily schedules are flexible, allowing guests to decide how they want to spend their time. Whether lounging on deck or exploring coastal destinations, the yacht’s itinerary revolves around guest wishes.
Amenities and Onboard Entertainment
Below Deck yachts are packed with entertainment options. Most feature hot tubs, spacious sundecks, and fully-stocked bars. The larger vessels even have onboard gyms, massage rooms, and cinema spaces.
Water toys are a highlight of the charter experience. Guests can enjoy jet skis, paddleboards, inflatable water slides, and even mini submarines on some vessels. Crew members set up these activities and ensure safety during use.
Snorkeling opportunities are abundant, with crew often guiding guests to hidden coves and vibrant reefs. The yachts carry high-quality gear sized for all guests.
Gourmet dining is a cornerstone of the yacht experience. Private chefs prepare restaurant-quality meals three times daily, plus snacks and canapés. Theme nights and special dinner setups on remote beaches create memorable moments for guests.
The Crew’s Perspective
Life for crew members is vastly different from what guests experience. Staff typically work 16+ hour days during charters, sharing tight living quarters below deck. Their cabins are functional but compact, often lacking the luxury found upstairs.
The crew hierarchy is strict, with clear roles and responsibilities. The captain oversees everything, while department heads (chief stew, chef, bosun) manage their teams. Working relationships can be intense in such close quarters.
Despite challenging conditions, yacht crew earn competitive pay plus tips. A successful charter season can be financially rewarding, with tips sometimes reaching thousands per crew member.
Time off between charters allows crew to explore exotic locations or catch up on sleep. Many develop close friendships with colleagues, creating a unique “boat family” dynamic that helps them navigate the challenges of yacht life.
Destinations Featured in the Series
Below Deck has showcased some of the world’s most stunning yachting locations. The show’s beautiful backdrops range from crystal-clear Mediterranean waters to pristine Caribbean beaches.
Mediterranean Getaways
The Mediterranean has been a favorite filming location for the Below Deck franchise, especially for the Below Deck Mediterranean spin-off. Viewers have enjoyed watching crew members navigate the glamorous coasts of Italy, Greece, Spain, and Croatia.
In the 8th season of Below Deck Mediterranean, the crew sailed along the Italian Riviera aboard the impressive Mustique, a 55-meter luxury motor yacht. This picturesque coastline offered guests stunning views of colorful villages and dramatic cliffs.
Other Mediterranean destinations have included the Greek islands with their whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. The Croatian coast has also been featured, showing off its medieval towns and clear azure waters.
These Mediterranean locations provide the perfect combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and upscale dining experiences that wealthy charter guests expect.
Caribbean Escapes
The Caribbean has served as the backdrop for many seasons of the original Below Deck series. These tropical paradises offer white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and year-round sunshine.
The Bahamas was featured in Season 3 of Below Deck, showcasing its famous clear waters and island charm. While technically not part of the Caribbean, the Bahamas offers similar appeal with its pellucid waters and tropical setting.
Other Caribbean filming locations have included St. Lucia, St. Martin, and the British Virgin Islands. These destinations provide the perfect setting for water sports, beach picnics, and the occasional crew drama that makes the show so entertaining.
Caribbean destinations typically feature more casual, laid-back atmospheres compared to their Mediterranean counterparts, though they still offer plenty of luxury experiences that high-end charter guests demand.
Understanding Yacht Refits
Yacht refits are essential maintenance procedures that keep luxury vessels in pristine condition while updating their features and technology. These extensive renovations can range from cosmetic updates to complete mechanical overhauls, often taking months to complete.
The Impact of a Refit on the Yacht’s Value
A well-executed yacht refit can significantly boost a vessel’s market value and extend its lifespan.
Owners of luxury yachts, including those featured on Below Deck, regularly invest in refits to maintain their investment. When a refit prioritizes quality, the yacht’s value increases substantially.
Many yacht owners hire specialized management companies that oversee the refit process, bringing expertise to both small updates and major renovations.
These professionals help navigate the complex decisions around modernizing systems, refreshing interiors, and upgrading technology.
Prestigious yacht builders like Benetti often provide dedicated refit services for their vessels, ensuring the work meets the original construction standards.
Safety upgrades are particularly valuable. Captain Kelley Johnson, who appeared on Below Deck, emphasized the importance of implementing the latest safety technology during refits.
