In a candid interview, former Below Deck chief stewardess Kate Chastain opened up about her drifting friendship with longtime captain Lee Rosbach, attributing the distance to their diverging lives post-yachting. Chastain, 43, told Us Weekly exclusively while promoting her appearance on E!'s House of Villains, "We don’t work on boats anymore. I don’t live in Fort Lauderdale anymore. I don’t have time for anybody."
Chastain's remarks come amid reflections on her time aboard the yachts featured on Bravo's long-running reality series, where she first joined in season 2 and worked exclusively under Rosbach's command for eight seasons. The duo developed a close professional and personal bond during their years navigating the high-seas drama of luxury charters. Chastain departed the show in 2020, citing a desire for new opportunities, while Rosbach, now 76, confirmed his exit in 2023 after appearing since the series' 2013 debut.
Their separation from the franchise hasn't entirely severed ties from the past. In 2023, Chastain and Rosbach reunited for the podcast Couch Talk With Captain Lee and Kate, which ran for one season and allowed fans to hear their banter once more. However, Rosbach's final season on Below Deck was marred by health issues, leading to a temporary replacement by Captain Sandy Yawn, 61, before Kerry Titheradge took over permanently.
Tensions arose when Rosbach publicly critiqued Yawn's handling of the boat during his absence, sparking discussions within the Below Deck community. Chastain, caught in the middle, expressed support for both captains in separate interviews. "I think that Sandy is a really talented captain. She always has been. I think she drives the boat the best out of any captain in any Below Deck franchise," Chastain told Us Weekly in June 2024. She added that Rosbach's criticisms "were not necessarily fair [or] warranted."
Chastain emphasized her neutral stance, saying, "Just like with any other friends, I’m not going to take sides or end a friendship if that’s not how I feel." This balanced approach underscores her reluctance to fuel ongoing rivalries among the show's captains. Despite the public discourse, Chastain has maintained a positive relationship with Yawn, attending her 2024 wedding to Leah Shafer in an event that highlighted their enduring camaraderie.
Reflecting on her admiration for Yawn, Chastain shared in June 2025, "From the moment that I saw her 1st season." She elaborated on Yawn's expertise, noting, "I think a lot of people who haven’t worked in yachting don’t understand this. She is an incredible captain in the Mediterranean vs. other parts of the world, specifically the way they park a boat. It’s like backing into a parking spot. It’s called Med mooring. She does that so well. It’s really impressive." Chastain even named Yawn as someone she'd like to collaborate with on future screen projects, signaling her interest in selective returns to television.
As for her connection with Rosbach, Chastain pinned the lack of communication on practical realities rather than any fallout. "I’m just so busy with my toddler," she explained to Us Weekly in November 2025, referring to her 2-year-old son, Sullivan. The single mother has prioritized family since welcoming her child, which has reshaped her social and professional landscape.
The former yachtie elaborated on the natural ebb of work-based friendships: "You’ve got something in common to talk about — and now we don’t." Chastain concluded optimistically, "The ship has sailed. I’m happy for him and I’m happy for me." This sentiment reflects a mature acceptance of life's changes, common among reality TV alumni who transition to new chapters.
Chastain's current endeavors keep her plate full, far from the Fort Lauderdale docks where much of Below Deck's action unfolds. No longer residing in the Florida city central to the show's production, she has embraced roles that align with her post-motherhood life. Her participation in season 3 of House of Villains, which premiered last month on E!, marks a return to competitive reality TV but in a lighter, more playful vein.
"It is so shocking to me that I loved House of Villains so much more than The Traitors, because it was so much more fun," Chastain shared with Us Weekly. She advised fellow Bravo stars eyeing similar gigs, "But I think if people in the Bravo world [and] want to do Traitors and House of Villains, Traitors is the one to do first." New episodes of the series stream weekly on Peacock every Thursday, offering viewers a glimpse into Chastain's villainous side away from yacht duties.
The evolution of relationships among Below Deck cast members highlights the transient nature of reality television bonds. While Chastain and Rosbach's paths have diverged, the franchise continues to thrive with new faces like Captain Titheradge steering the ship. Rosbach, meanwhile, has stayed active in media, hosting his podcast and sharing insights from his decades at sea.
Chastain's comments also touch on broader themes in the entertainment industry, where former colleagues often reconnect sporadically through reunions or shared projects. Her support for Yawn, despite Rosbach's reservations, illustrates a commitment to professionalism amid personal shifts. As she navigates motherhood and new shows, Chastain remains a fan favorite, her straightforward style endearing her to audiences.
Looking ahead, Chastain's busy schedule suggests limited time for nostalgia. With Sullivan turning 2 and her reality TV commitments ramping up, reconnecting with old crewmates like Rosbach may remain on the back burner. Yet, her fond recollections indicate no hard feelings, just the realities of grown-up lives pulling in different directions.
The Below Deck universe, spanning multiple spin-offs and over a decade on air, continues to captivate with its mix of luxury, drama, and interpersonal dynamics. Chastain's story is one thread in a larger tapestry, reminding viewers that behind the glamour, cast members are building real lives off-camera. As House of Villains unfolds, fans will watch how Chastain balances her past with her present, perhaps inspiring others in similar transitions.
For now, Chastain's focus is clear: family first, with selective forays into entertainment. Her interview sheds light on the unspoken challenges of maintaining friendships forged in intense work environments, offering a relatable counterpoint to the show's opulent facade.