Courtney Skippon – Below Deck

By starrymag | January 13, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) It was touched on a bit during the show, but how did you get your start working on yachts?

A) Valor was only the second yacht I’ve worked on! While attending business school in the South of France, I needed a summer job to supplement my tuition fees. Since I lived in Antibes – one of the biggest yachting hubs in the world – it was the obvious choice.

Q) What made you want to be a part of “Below Deck?”

A) In Canada “Below Deck” is most people’s only reference for the yachting industry. So, when friends heard that I had worked on yachts, their first instinct was to convince me to apply for “Below Deck.” One wine-fueled evening it finally worked, and I applied on a whim. It all happened really quickly after that. I thought if anything, it would be a fun opportunity and one that seemed silly to turn it down.

Q) Had you been a fan of the show or familiar with it before joining the cast this year?

A) I love reality TV, but I’m a very casual, TV-on-as-background-noise kind of watcher. I was definitely familiar with the show, but I only watched sporadically. I think this helped me to be as genuine as possible while forming relationships with those who had been on past seasons – it’s nice to feel like you’re getting to know each other equally.

Q) Were there though any certain parts of your life you deemed off limits to the camera? 

A) I’m an open book. All things considered, I’m pretty normal and relatable, so I didn’t go into it feeling like I had anything to hide. Although, I really didn’t want one of those getting dressed shots, so I always made sure to change in the bathroom.

Q) There also seemed to be a fast connection between you and Kate [Chastain]. What made working with her so special?

A) Kate and I are similar in a lot of ways: sense of humor, work ethic, what we like to do in our spare time, dogs…I think we both just understood each other and not having to explain yourself to someone because they just *get it* is a great foundation for both a friendship and a healthy working relationship. We also both like to have a laugh in tough situations (of which there are many in yachting). She’s patient, understanding, incredibly thoughtful and hilarious – what’s not to connect with?

Q) Kate and Kevin [Dobson] seemed to butt heads while working in the galley. Was it Kate’s perfectionism or Kevin’s chaos that caused this to occur? 

A) As chief stew, there are a lot of issues that Kate can’t compromise on. For that reason, I felt like Kevin was often less willing to communicate and be collaborative. This isn’t just a Kate and Kevin thing: chief stews and chefs notoriously butt heads. The stewardesses are running the guest experience and interacting with them, so the chef has to understand that whatever the stews are suggesting is in the best interest of the guests and should be taken seriously.

Q) Many felt Kate handed you Second Stew stripes in front of Simone was a slight to Simone [Mashile]. How did it feel for you when you were given them?

A) I think Simone would have preferred Kate mention it to her beforehand, but I also think they hadn’t been having the best communication, so it was difficult for both of them to connect. To me, we’re all working as a team toward a common goal and picking up slack as needed. We should all be respecting each other regardless of rank. The stripes didn’t matter. I just appreciated that Kate and Captain Lee [Rosbach] were acknowledging the work that I was doing.

Q) Brian [de Saint Pern] and you had lots of chemistry! Was it just being in tight quarters that brought you two together?

A) I think it’s just that: chemistry. You’re also in a new and uncomfortable environment and it’s nice to have someone you can take comfort in. I think it was less tight quarters and more that there’s a lot you don’t find out about people when your relationship is predominantly work related.

Q) Brian took offense to being called a “yachtie.” What does that title mean to you? 

A) I am not at all quick to anger or take offense, so this is not something I can relate to. My definition is pretty similar to what Kate was describing, although I’m also aware of the type of “yachtie” Brian was referring to. I think it was clear Kate wasn’t saying it in a derogatory way. Unless you feel like you are exhibiting some of the latter qualities, why assume that’s what she means? And if you are exhibiting those qualities…Well, you’re a yachtie. Pretty much any descriptor has good and bad connotations – there’s all types in every profession. Either way, who cares? Kate called me a “good yachtie” too and I replied “thanks.”

Q) Talk about working with Captain Lee.

A) I loved working with Captain Lee and I feel so lucky to know him. He’s the kind of person you can make eye contact with from across a room and burst into laughter at the same nonverbal thing. He doesn’t overstep and just trusts you to do your job – he’s great Captain to work for.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Below Deck?”

A) Washing Peter, the baby elephant, was my most important takeaway. I also got to meet a lot of great people: coworkers, guests and production.

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the instant fan feedback you have been receiving to episodes? 

A) I think my access point is relatability, so I really enjoy connecting with people and hearing that they get me and feel seen. As a whole, the constant feedback has taken me back a little, especially the negative comments. It makes you wonder how we got to a place as humans where we speak so cruelly to others and how it’s considered normal and reasonable. Especially as a woman, it has really highlighted the entitlement people feel over how they think we should look, feel, think, act – and the anger that incites when we don’t fit that mold. I totally welcome measured, polite, and compassionate debate, but what I’ll never understand is mindless bullying and control.

Q) What do you want to be sure fans know about you and your time on “Below Deck?”

A) People seem to perceive you as they want regardless of what you do or say. So, nothing to add!

 

 

 

TUNE IN: Catch Courtney Skippon on “Below Deck” Mondays at 9PM ET/PT on Bravo