From superyacht sparkle to super-sized tantrums, let’s rank the ladies who ruled (or ruined) the interior.
Without its chief stews, Below Deck wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable. These women juggle demanding guests, hungover crew, and enough flower arrangements to trigger an allergic reaction. Some rise like champagne bubbles. Others… sink faster than a tender with no fuel.
Here’s our definitive ranking of the Below Deck chief stews—from the absolute queens to the ones who should’ve been docked weeks ago.
1. Aesha Scott – The Dirty-Minded Angel of the Interior
Seasons: Below Deck Med S4, Below Deck Down Under S1 & S2
If Joy had a job title, it would be Chief Stew: Aesha Scott. She’s bubbly and brilliant, and she has the dirtiest humour on this side of international waters. Somehow, she manages to keep service seamless and make everyone cry with laughter. Even when the guests were nightmares and the chef was an actual goblin (hi Ryan), she kept her crown.
Why we stan:
- She leads with heart, humour, and just the right amount of chaos.
- She maintains a positive attitude, manages the flow of drinks, and upholds high standards.
- One fart joke can transform a dinner from dull to dazzling.
“Aesha didn’t just serve drinks—she served therapy, stand-up comedy, and vibes.”
2. Daisy Kelliher – Irish Sass Meets Serious Skill
Seasons: Below Deck Sailing Yacht S2–S4
Daisy arrived with an impressive level of competence. Equal parts glam and grit, she ran a tight ship, stood her ground with the guys, and still made time for a flirt or two. She knew when to snap and when to sip rosé in the hot tub.
Here’s why we raise a glass to her:
- Didn’t take shit from Gary (which deserves an award on its own).
- She handled crew drama expertly, all the while maintaining a fun atmosphere.
- I managed to endure an entire season without breaking down in the laundry room.
“Daisy was that rare blend of boss energy and boat fun. Stew goals.”
3. Kate Chastain – The Queen of Shade and Service
Seasons: Below Deck 2–7
Kate is basically below with her sharper than a shiv. Her towel folds? Art. Her facial expressions were truly remarkable. Emmy-worthy. She ruled the interior with a sarcastic smile and zero tolerance for idiots.
Why she’s iconic:
- She was known for her ability to weaponise her resting face.
- She had the ability to manage a dinner with military precision, all the while quietly plotting a takedown.
- Dealing with Chef Leon was a worthy reward.
“Kate didn’t just serve guests—she served looks, lines, and legendary exits.”
4. Fraser Olender – A Chief Stew With Taste (and Tantrums)
Seasons: Below Deck S9–11
He was our inaugural male chief stew, bringing a sophisticated flair and an unwavering dedication to excellence. Fraser had high standards, low patience, and enough eye-rolls to cause neck strain.
Why he’s fab (and flawed):
- Knew how to elevate service, decor, and drama.
- At times, he could be overly preoccupied, yet he always managed to maintain control by dinnertime.
- He enjoyed engaging in gossip sessions more than facing rejection.
“Fraser’s breakdowns were just as polished as his table settings.”
And Now, Let’s Talk About the Stews Who SANK the vibe.
5. Natasha Webb – Smiling Through the Chaos (Poorly)
Season: Below Deck Med S7
She smiled a lot. She cried a lot. She ghosted her chef boyfriend mid-charter, then gaslit him while serving oysters. Natasha was the human version of a soggy napkin—technically fine, but not doing anyone any favours.
“Natasha treated crew management like it was a group therapy session she forgot to prep for.”
6. Jenna MacGillivray – Romance > Responsibilities
Season: Below Deck Sailing Yacht S1
Jenna spent more time canoodling with Chef Adam than doing, well, anything else. Service deteriorated, emotions erupted, and she unintentionally made the role of chief stew seem like the last thing she desired to do.
“Jenna could plate a cheese board but couldn’t handle a crew of three. Tragic.”
7. Hannah Ferrier – A Nap in Human Form
Seasons: Below Deck Med S1–5
Here we go. Controversial? Maybe. Accurate? Absolutely. Hannah was the queen of “meh. ” Every season she looked like she wanted to be anywhere but on that boat. She endured eye-rolls, migraines, mid-charter naps, and the infamous Valium incident. It was all just… exhausting.
Why she’s bottom of the barrel:
- She was consistently “over it” but never left.
- She favoured certain individuals, avoided taking responsibility, and feigned a smile during dinner.
- How many times did Captain Sandy call her out?
“Hannah didn’t manage the crew—she emotionally drained them.”
The Verdict:
Give us Aesha with a drink in one hand and a radio in the other. Give us Daisy diffusing drama and Fraser fluffing throw pillows with the intensity of a bomb squad. But please… never again with the Hannah naps and Natasha ghosting.
The chief stew runs the boat—and the show. So next time you watch Below Deck, remember: it’s not just about the service. It’s about the sassy service with a side of emotional stability.
