Below Deck Down Under Season 3: A Shift in Dynamics with New Chief Stew Lara Rigby
As Below Deck Down Under embarks on its third season, viewers are witnessing a significant shift in leadership with the introduction of Lara Rigby. With over ten years of experience in yachting, Lara initially appeared to be a promising successor to former Chief Stew Aesha Scott. Both Captain Jason Chambers and Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph have lauded Lara, praising her from their previous working relationship. However, as the season progresses, strong sentiment is emerging that Lara’s arrival may result in more disruption than anticipated.
Aesha Scott, a fan favorite for her warm and approachable nature during the show’s first two seasons, created a vibrant work atmosphere while maintaining her authority when necessary. With Aesha now engaged in Below Deck Mediterranean, a new phase was ripe for Below Deck Down Under, not just with a leadership change but also with an exciting move to the stunning Seychelles and aboard the largest yacht in the franchise, Katina.
Lara’s Perfectionism Creates Friction
A Rigid Leadership Approach
From the outset, Lara’s management style has raised eyebrows; she set exceptionally high standards for her team. Her tendency to micromanage even simple tasks like towel folding and bed-making hints at a rigid mindset, prioritizing perfection over team cohesion. Early episodes spotlight her insistence on meticulous silverware placement during dinner service, causing crew members to trek up and down the yacht instead of simply serving the utensils within reach, illustrating her lack of practicality. These actions demonstrate that her pursuit of “proper service”may hinder adaptability to her team’s needs.
Communication Breakdown with the Chef
A Complicated Dynamic with Chef Tzarina
Returning for her second season, Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph was initially excited about Lara’s presence and suggested they share quarters. However, the chemistry between them began to falter as the show progressed. Despite Tzarina’s praises for Lara, Lara’s dismissive comments, likening her to “weird Barbie, ”indicated underlying tensions. Communication failed catastrophically when Lara disregarded Tzarina’s breakfast special to prioritize custom guest orders, leading to unnecessary conflicts.
Struggling with Stress Management
Mismatch Between Role Requirements and Personality
Lara’s own admission that she “doesn’t deal well with chaos”sends alarm bells ringing, especially for a chief stew whose role relies heavily on maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. The responsibility of overseeing a demanding department on a sizable vessel like Katina requires a steady presence, and Lara’s apparent discomfort with stress could result in her losing control—a risky scenario for crew and guests alike.
Even with her extensive experience in the yachting industry, Lara’s readiness to adapt to the unpredictable nature of filming reality television remains in question. Unlike Aesha, who consistently offered a calming influence amidst challenges, Lara appears to have been selected for her potential to introduce drama rather than ensuring a smooth voyage.
Below Deck Down Under airs on Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo.
Source: Bravo/YouTube
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