Kat Held – Below Deck

Q)  It was touched on a bit last season, but what got you into yachting?

A) I decided to get into yachting because I was tired of working the typical 9-5 schedule, sitting behind a desk. I was restless and anxious to get out and explore the world. I had recently finished my undergraduate degree from The University of Rhode Island and I wanted to see what else the world had to offer. I did not have the financial means to just pick up and go so after an afternoon of watching yachts sail in and out of Newport Harbor, I decided that yachting would be my escape from the real world.

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

A) In college, I had pondered with the idea of becoming a film producer and I had completed my internship at a production company in Providence, Rhode Island. Therefore, working in television had always been an interest of mine. So one afternoon,  when a boat I was working on was anchored out at sea, I was killing time in my cabin by looking at yachting websites. I came across an ad that was looking for cast members for a new boating reality TV show. Without hesitation, I filled out the application and submitted a photo. There were various steps in the process and, ultimately, I was selected. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

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

A) When filming a reality TV show, mostly everything that can be filmed, will be filmed. Basically, there are stationary cameras that will film 24/7and also camera crews that are allowed to follow you around, anywhere you go. However, there is on exception to the rule. The only place a camera crew or a camera cannot be is in the head (a/k/a washroom or bathroom) and there is even an exception to that rule. The only actual time when the camera is not allowed to be filming is if you are in the bathroom ALONE. Therefore, if you go into a bathroom with another person, they are allowed to follow you in there. Other then that, anything goes, but that’s what we sign up for.

Q) We are seeing a different side of you this season (more reserved). What areas of your life/yourself did you change and in what ways?

A) There is a different side of me this season. I am more reserved. After watching myself on TV during season one, there were some things I really wasn’t proud of myself for. For one, my drinking habits were appalling and for two, my body did not fit the ideal image of a healthy, attractive girl in her 20’s. These were the two major things I wanted to change about myself, so I did. Luckily for me, just watching my behavior on TV was enough to make me change my drinking habits for the better. I did not need to go to rehab. Family support and introducing new healthy habits into my life style was how I made a positive change . The one healthy habit that I had to re-introduce into my life style was exercise. Prior to yachting, I was always active and into sports and exercise so getting myself back into a healthy routine was easy for me. I knew exactly what to eat, when to eat, how to work out and how to get motivated and stay motivated without hiring a trainer. In total, I lost about 25lbs from limiting my alcohol intake in addition to diet and exercise. It didn’t take long before I started to feel so good physically and mentally that I did not want to go back to my old habits.

Q) We saw that there is some tension between you and Amy. Will we get to the heart of the issue during the season?

A) There is some obvious tension between Amy and myself. There was a time period in yachting, before filming, that Amy and I were very close friends. Not every relationship is meant to last and I believe that this may be one of them. I really don’t know what the true heart of the issue is because we both have two very different views on what happened for our relationship to turn as sour as it did. But then again, I’m not always around when the camera is pointed at her so she may decide to reveal some of her issues with our relationship with others.

Q) This season you seemed to have an even greater bond with Ben. What is it about your relationship with him that creates such chemistry between the two of you?

A) After filming season one, my connection with Ben grew stronger. We were both living in Fort Lauderdale, we had both just filmed a TV show which many people in life may never have the opportunity to do, we were both in yachting and we both enjoyed doing the same things such as going to the beach, dinning out and meeting new people. Therefore, all of the elements for a great friendship were there and we learned a lot about each other. The saying “birds of a feather flock together” is very true for Ben and myself. We enjoy each others company, we respect each other and we both know how to have a good time.

Q) There was a lot of controversy with Andrew this season as well. What went through your mind when you found out he had exaggerated his resume?

A) Honestly, I was shocked that someone would have the audacity to put an entire crew in danger by lying on their resume. Since I was working inside as a stewardess and Andrew was working outside as a deckhand, I didn’t see how bad his lack of experience really was first hand. So, its fair to say that I was more shocked than some of the other crew members. I have known some people who have fudged a little here and there on their resume, but Andrew took lying to a whole different level. At first, I actually felt bad that that Andrew thought that he had to lie to try and fit in and then after it really soaked in, I was embarrassed for him.

Q) When the tips are handed out, many people felt that Andrew should not have gotten an equal share. What were your thoughts?

A) My thoughts were the same as everybody else’s. Just like everything in life, if you can’t pull your own weight then you should not be receiving the rewards as everyone else, especially if you’re making everyone else’s job harder. In addition, I believe it would have provided Andrew with some incentive to work harder, if there was a consequence for his actions. Money can act as a big incentive for people and if the message was made clear to him from the start, then it may have made things easier for him down the line.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming?

A) Some of the most memorable moments from filming are actually the most challenging ones. The first and last charter always put the most pressure on the crew so those are the charters that will always stand out the most for me. Also, the initial meeting of the new crew members is another memorable moment. That’s a time when everyone feels vulnerable. You don’t know who or what to except from anyone and first impressions are usual lasting immersions. I can’t go into too much other detail about the most memorable moments because some of them have not aired yet’ however, there are some moments that Kate and I share that I will remember for ever. Also, there is a time when Captain Lee says something to me that makes me feel really good about myself.  Lastly, there are a some crew dinners out and play dates that we get to share together that really brings us together as a group.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you enjoying the instant fan feedback you have begun receiving when the episodes air?

A) If I didn’t enjoy the fan feedback, then I shouldn’t be working in television. Luckily for me, even after season one, most of the feedback has been positive. Positive feedback is what drives me to be me. I enjoy being a crowd pleaser, motivating people and making people laugh. Yet, there is always going to be someone out there that has something negative to say. Those people actually make me laugh because most of the time those people say the most outlandish stuff. Sometimes, they make a good point too, but if you can’t laugh at yourself for those embarrassing moments, then who will?

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

A) I believe that “Below Deck” is a fan favorite show for several reasons. One, the show is about yachting, something  that most the people in the world didn’t even know existed. In addition, yachting is really the extreme of luxury and the only reason it exists is because of people who have an unimaginable amount of money in their bank accounts. There is no limit when it comes to luxury yachting; however, the show isn’t actually about the people who own these yachts. It’s about the crew. The crew are the ones who are living and working on these yachts, who are dealing with the most outrageous demands while also dealing with their own lives. That in itself is a tough balance. Our lives our truly unique and at the same time, almost just as outlandish as the guests who can afford to charter these boats. With all that said, one of the main reasons the show is such a fan favorite is because it’s so real, it’s unbelievable.

Below Deck airs Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT on Bravo