Joao Franco – Below Deck Mediterranean

By starrymag | June 12, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) I had just resigned from my old boat to further my career with courses and I was approached for a third time to do the show. This time I went with it.

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

A) I had never seen the show before I had joined, and I didn’t know anything about cast from previous seasons either.

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

A) I went on the show with an open mind and intended not to hide anything. I knew what I was getting myself into, but I’d rather be unhappy with me being real and being able to learn from it than to never see my real self from an outsider’s point of view.

Q) We saw you seem to butt heads with Hannah [Ferrier]. Was it a case of opposites clashing or just alcohol bringing out inner issues?

A) Hannah’s and my issues stem from a buildup of various digs at each other straight from the start. All this fueled with alcohol and lot of provoking sets us off. She is a strong lady and I respect her for that, but not my proudest moment.

Q) Conrad is the bosun, but we see you seem to want to take the upperhand. What is the difference in the experiences on boats you each have had that made you think you had a greater handle on the job?

A) Generally, there is a great contrast in Private and Charter vessels. Charter vessels are a lot more intense and that’s why we get tipped. People on holiday want to make the most of their experience while private owners have time to do it all. On charter a guest’s wants and needs are different, and you have to learn to adapt to every type of situation. It’s easier to predict a private owner’s next move after seeing their preferences and what they usually like to do. With Charter, crew turnover is more frequent because people get burnt out. Private boats, the crew are more of a family.

In saying this and having just come off a really challenging charter season, I feel that I had adopted some bad “charter boat” traits and felt that things should have been more routine and less laid back. I have learnt now that it’s not supposed to be the case. Conrad was a great leader to me and I respect him for it.

Q) Talk about working with Captain Sandy Yawn.

A) I loved working with Captain Sandy!!! She was incredible! She is so experienced and never lost her cool without reason. She is the BAD ASS captain of the sea! And I learnt a huge amount from her.

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

A) Well, as we all know, I had a tough time remembering much!!!! But there were a few really good times we all had onboard, and on our nights out. What was most memorable is still yet to be seen. [smiles]

Q) Who have you stayed in contact with and become friendly with from the show?

A) I do still speak to everyone except two. Contact has been slim, but with yachting it’s very difficult to keep in touch. As far as being friends with anyone, yes, some more than others. One more than the rest. But yes. [smiles]

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

A) Well, I wouldn’t quite say I’ve had as much fan feedback as anti-fan feedback! But I have taken it in a positive way and trying to grow to be a better person. To be honest, I’m probably the biggest anti-fan of my character on the show.

Q) What is something that you want to be sure viewers know about you or that you’d like to clarify?

A) There is so much about me that I would like to clarify, but how could I convince people that I actually am a gentlemen and that I actually do have respect for people by what everyone sees on the show? To summarize everything, I am human. And this is a reality tv show. We all make mistakes and we all need to acknowledge them for us to make positive changes. I have acknowledged mine.

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

A) I’d like everyone to know that I absolutely enjoyed my time on “Below Deck Med!” I am so grateful to have gone through this experience to receive the biggest life lesson anyone could have ever asked for. I have taken action on what was wrong and bettered myself in unimaginable ways. I feel a weight off my shoulders in finally seeing my flaws for what they were. I have turned towards the right path and will never look back. Life is about living, laughing and love.

 

 

“Below Deck Mediterranean” returns for its third season on Tuesday, May 15 at 9p.m. on Bravo.