Simone Mashile – Below Deck

By starrymag | December 30, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) To be honest, I’m just really a nerd at heart (absolutely love Math and Quantum Physics, problem solving, etc.). I just didn’t see myself working in one place or in a corporate environment for the rest of my life. I’m way too free spirited and unconventional in my approach towards life. I wanted to travel (as I had never left South Africa before), explore different cultures, countries and people…But also set myself up financially. I did a bit of research and it came down to comparing the opportunity cost between teaching in Asia or working on yachts. Yachting won because I felt I’d get to be a part of a world class industry, see how the wealthy actually live and travel to beautiful, luxurious locations that I’d grown up watching on TV but never EVER dreamed I’d get to see. I had a friend who had done a previous season in the Med who convinced me that it would be a great fit for me. I left my job, packed my bags, journeyed into the Med and eventually landed a job as a stew/cook. And the rest is history.

 

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

A) I wanted to give people an insight into what it is like for me to be actually balance my private and professional life working on a boat. By being on “Below Deck” I get to debunk the many misconceptions about what it’s like working on a boat: that it is so easy, luxurious, don’t really work that much and get paid a ton of cash. Not the case!  Also, I do feel that as a minority in this industry by being on “Below Deck” it encourages people/inspires people who look like me that it is possible for them, too.

 

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

A) Funny thing is, until last year, I hadn’t even heard of it! I was in the Med when they were filming in St. Tropez. I walked past their boat with a friend and wondered why there were cameras on that boat. My friend explained they were filming a show about yachties called “Below Deck” and I thought, “Hmm. Interesting.”  I then went on to binge watch the first two and a half seasons. But the real question is…could this have been a sign from the universe maybe?

 

Q) There seemed to be a fast connection between you and Courtney. What made working with her so special?

A) I generally tend to get along with everyone I meet. I’m a pretty easy-going people’s person. Courtney [Skippon]was really chill, funny and really easy to live with. I also just loved how honest she was and had much less of a filter than I had. So, I found her really entertaining. I felt like she’s just a genuine person.

 

Q) You and Kate [Chastain] clashed a bit based on your initial acceptance of laundry daughter and then your service ability with the guests. What changed your mind about your stew duties?

A) The initial acceptance was just based on us working as a team and playing to each other’s strengths. I had been very honest about my experience in my resume and when I arrived on day one, I was honest about what I wanted to accomplish from this charter season. So, if I’m put in a position that I have not had experience in before, the assumption is while I will still make my efforts to learn on my own when I can I’ll still get trained/guided or given the opportunity to fulfill the role.

However, It just got to a point where we are getting to half way through the charter season and I was still feeling like I hadn’t gotten equal opportunities to fulfill the First Stew role requirements and had not been given any substantial feedback. It was the role I was thrust into and not really being given any feedback.

If I was the type to just rest on my laurels and say, “Whatevz… Kate is chill with me doing laundry most of the time. If anything happens and she isn’t available then… Even though I’m Second Stew the boat will have to sort itself out it doesn’t matter.” But I do not have that mindset. In life you have to think about contingencies and make sure you’re pulling weight to be as well-rounded as you can be and that is all I was trying to do.

 

Q) You and Tanner [Sterback] had lots of chemistry! Was it just being in tight quarters that brought you two together?

A) Look, I thought he was a snack and a half initially, but I was also sussing him out. As the weeks progressed, we got along really, really well. So, I guess something was bound to happen eventually.

 

Q) There was a lot of controversy about Tanner spilling to the crew about your private time. Were you able to forgive him and move past it? If so, what influenced your decision?

A)  Not entirely…I remember feeling like he’s keeping a scorecard and putting walls up again (which is something that annoyed me because I’m trying to get away from that defense mechanism). When I spoke to him about it, he did seem really genuine with his apology. So, I had to trust that he was. I did keep things strictly PG thereafter though just in case! [laughs]

 

Q) Talk about working with Captain Lee [Rosbach]. 

A) He’s really nice to work with, understanding and quite funny. Just work hard, work as a team, don’t embarrass yourself or the boat and you’ll be fine.

 

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

A) I’ve stayed in touch with most of the crew. I formed really great bonds with some of them. But right now, watching the show, I want reconsider some of those. [laughs] Just kidding!

 

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

A) The breathtaking views of all the places we sailed to, the beach picnics, the nights out – some great, some I’d rather control-alt-delete and reboot my memory just to ensure I forget. [laughs]. But I won’t because that wouldn’t make me appreciate the amazing moments as much if I leave out the bad.

 

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

A) It’s interesting to see how people judge you based on a TV show. Some are really great, supportive and constructive and others are negative and vilify you for speaking your truth in some cases. It’s a double edge sword that’s making me understand the nature of human behavior more to be honest. And making me grow thicker skin. Nothing really prepares you for it.

 

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

A) The most important thing is that I was just being my authentic self, there was nothing fake, no pretense. I went onto the boat knowing my limitations being open about them and an open mind. At no point did I overate myself. I believe in always standing for your truth, even if it goes against what people believe or want to hear. And that is what I did. Of course, there are things that I could have done differently; however, I am taking it as a learning experience and can only grow from here.

 

 

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