Captain Lee Rosbach – Below Deck

By starrymag | October 13, 2015

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How did you originally become involved with “Below Deck?”

A) I was a Captain on a 50m (165’) charter yacht named Cuor Di Leon, translated as the “Heart of the Lion.” I had worked for her owner for a couple of years when we were approached by Bravo to charter our boat for a new TV series which was going to follow the escapades of a working yacht crew and their lifestyle – the ups, the downs, just everything in general that the crew of a super yacht go thru in a typical season of charters. Originally, my job was to oversee the production for my owner and make sure his interests were protected. As negotiations progressed and they got closer to the start of shooting, it came to the attention of production that the Captain that they had cast to run the yacht was not going to work out so that left them without a Captain for the series and time running out.  I was really looking forward to having someone else do my job and me get paid for it, when they approached my boss and asked him how I felt about being on this TV series. Well, my boss being the consummate business man didn’t want to see a eight week charter fall by the way side and said that I would feel just fine about being on TV. So, when they approached me, hell,  I can read between the lines…So, I in turn responded that, “Of course, I feel just fine about being on TV.” And to quote the old cliche, “the rest is history.” It was purely accidental, a case of right place and right time.

Q) We have some unique crew members this season. What was your first impressions of Rocky?

A) We do have some unique people on board this year, I agree. My first impressions of Rocky [Dakota] were fairly uncomplicated. She seemed nice, bubbly personality and was filling the 3rd stews position. What could possibly go wrong there? I didn’t really have much of an opinion formed when I first met her.

Q) Why do the ships change every year and how are they selected to be featured on the show?

A) The only thing that is constant in the charter world is that nothing is constant. Yachts change hands, locations, crew, itineraries and the list goes on. So, to have a yacht that we could use year after year would be very tough to come by. Owners have their own agenda that would rarely coincide with our shooting schedule every year so each season we look for that one yacht that will fill our needs. It has to be large enough to accommodate our cast and the shooting requirements as far as space goes, the film crew, a lot of extra equipment, some of the original crew and the charter guests. Its a pretty big list. We also need a very cooperative owner who is willing to turn command of his yacht over to me for the 6-8 weeks we need it. That is probably the hardest to come by. It’s a huge leap of faith for someone to turn over a 20 million dollar yacht to a stranger and not have his regular Captain on board.

Q) There was a great deal of tension between Kate and Chef Leon. At what point did you decide to step in and mediate?

A) Well, I haven’t actually stepped in yet, but I have informed them both on several occasions what I expect out of the two of them and I will get that or I will be forced to make a change. So far, Kate [Chastain] has been going out of her way to work with Leon [Walker], but that doesn’t seem to be reciprocal on Leon’s part. Not sure how it will end up, but right now I don’t have high hopes for a lasting working relationship between the two of them.

Q) This season there were a number of dramatic moments with the crew. What situation surprised you the most?

A) I think the situation that has surprised me the most has been the one between Rocky and Eddie [Lucas].  Totally did not see that one coming and I am not very pleased about it at all. I depend on Eddie and he seems to have put himself in a very compromising position to say the least.

 

Q) What has been the most outrageous request you have had from a charter guest?

A) This request didn’t actually happen, but it was close. We were on our way to Key West, and before we provisioned we couldn’t find any suitable eggplant for the boss. His favorite dish was Eggplant Parm. We had none on board and everywhere we went they were out. So he let us know that on our way to Key West that we needed to get that done or he would have his pilots fly the G4 to Tampa and pick some up and bring it to us in Key West. Fortunately, we found some in Key West and the pilots were able to stand down. I thought that was a bit over the top.

Q) You and Eddie seem to have a constant, almost familial rapport. What is it about Eddie that makes him a good leader?

A) Eddie gets it. If you look back on Season 1, Eddie was the one who got up from a crew dinner because he was embarrassed by their behavior. So did he stay around just for drinks and dinner? No. He let them know exactly where he stood and what he wasn’t going to tolerate. He didn’t cave to peer pressure. You have to respect that. I think Eddie’s integrity is what will make him a good leader. Now, that being said, is he going to make mistakes? Of course, he is. Who doesn’t? But I really feel that Eddies grounded attitude and basic sense of integrity will serve him well.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you enjoying the instant fan feedback you receive during episodes?

A) Social Media is amazing. If someone told me three years ago that this would be happening to me I would’ve thought that they were a couple of tacos short of a combo platter. But it is such a hoot to interact with the fans of the show in real time and get that instant feedback. There is no waiting for the critics to respond. You get everyone’s opinion, real time as it happens. How great is that? I love it.

Q) What do you think it is about “Below Deck” that has made it such a fan favorite show?

A) I think its a bit of “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” meets working class employees. It gives people a glimpse into a world they may not have even known about. And it’s a very small world indeed. There are only maybe 5,000 super yachts in the whole world and this is their pass into the inner workings of this exclusive club every week. I never missed a “Lifestyle” episode when it was on because I was intrigued by that world and I think our show may have that same appeal.

Q) How do you maintain your family life being away so much?

A) As far as maintaining my family life, my wife Mary Anne gets all the credit. I am lucky to be married to my very best friend in the world. We do things based on what would make the other person happy, and when you always try to put your partner first, it just works. Your wants take a back seat and you put theirs first. Seeing her happy makes me happy. That’s all I need.

Q) Is there anything you want to be sure we share with fans about the show that they might be surprised to learn about filming “Below Deck” or being a part of the show?

A) Yes there is something I want to share and that is my humble gratitude for their support. Being part of a show that has so many fans is quite humbling. It’s something that I never expected. I consider myself the luckiest guy in the world to be a part of something this special. At least it is to me and I am truly grateful. Thank you!

 

 

Below Deck airs Tuesdays at 9pm on Bravo