Below Deck Down Under Star Daisy Kelliher Embraces Boatmances as 'Favorite Pastime'

Kelliher discusses her transition to the new franchise, working with Chef Ben Robinson and Second Officer João Franco, and the challenges of managing a green interior team.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Daisy Kelliher, a veteran of the Below Deck franchise, has joined the crew of Below Deck Down Under for its fourth season. While initially nervous about the 'newness' of the change, Kelliher has embraced the challenge, particularly working with seasoned veterans Chef Ben Robinson and Second Officer João Franco. Kelliher has developed a strong working relationship with Captain Jason Chambers and is excited about the prospect of receiving guest feedback on her performance. However, Kelliher acknowledges that the season has not been without its challenges, particularly when it comes to managing the interior team and the dynamic between Robinson and new galley hand Elena 'Ellie' Dubaich.

Why it matters

Kelliher's move to the Below Deck Down Under franchise represents a significant shift in her career, as she navigates a new boat, crew, and captain. Her ability to adapt and thrive in this new environment showcases her versatility as a chief stew and her commitment to delivering exceptional service to charter guests. Additionally, Kelliher's willingness to embrace boatmances and her softer side provides a unique perspective on the high-pressure world of yachting.

The details

Kelliher was initially anxious about the 'newness' of the change, but she was more than ready for the challenge, especially working for a new captain. She developed a strong working relationship with Captain Jason Chambers, who was helpful when the crew was short-handed. Kelliher also had to navigate working with two seasoned veterans of the franchise, Chef Ben Robinson and Second Officer João Franco. While she was nervous about their strong personalities, Kelliher was determined to 'show everyone who's boss.' Kelliher found Robinson to be a bit 'discombobulated' and 'disorganized' in the galley, but she appreciated his passion for his craft. Kelliher's working relationship with Franco slowly turned into a boatmance, as she 'really wanted to have a strong relationship with the second officer.'

  • Kelliher joined the Below Deck Down Under crew for the show's fourth season.
  • The charter season was set in the Caribbean.

The players

Daisy Kelliher

A veteran chief stew who has joined the crew of Below Deck Down Under for its fourth season, transitioning from the Below Deck Sailing Yacht franchise.

Captain Jason Chambers

The captain of the M/Y Katina on Below Deck Down Under, who has developed a strong working relationship with Kelliher.

Chef Ben Robinson

A seasoned veteran of the Below Deck franchise, known for his culinary skills but also his 'discombobulated' and 'disorganized' approach in the galley.

João Franco

The second officer on Below Deck Down Under, who has developed a boatmance with Kelliher.

Elena 'Ellie' Dubaich

A new galley hand on Below Deck Down Under, whose dynamic with Chef Ben Robinson has taken a turn for the worse as the season progresses.

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What they’re saying

“Boatmances have become my favorite pastime [laughs]. This year, I really wanted to have a strong relationship with the second officer. Maybe I took that a bit too far [laughs]. We had fun. It's always nice to be able to show your softer side. I love my job, but I have a lot of pressure on me. So, it's nice to have a bit of fun when you're stressed.”

— Daisy Kelliher (Decider)

What’s next

Fans will have to keep watching to see how Kelliher's dynamic with João Franco develops over the season.

The takeaway

Kelliher's willingness to embrace boatmances and her softer side provides a unique perspective on the high-pressure world of yachting, showcasing her ability to balance the demands of her job with the need for personal connections and moments of levity.