Malia White, a prominent personality from Below Deck Mediterranean seasons 2, 5, and 6, has been open about her romantic life, particularly regarding her relationship with engineer Jake Baker, which blossomed during season 6. Their romance developed amidst the challenges that often characterize the yachting industry, and fans have a particular fondness for “boatmances,”making their budding romance particularly captivating.
As fans tuned in to watch their relationship evolve both on and off the luxury yacht, the dynamics of life aboard the Lady Michelle intrigued many. Initially, it appeared that Malia and Jake’s romance had significant potential, but, like many public relationships, it faced numerous hurdles.
Building Bonds: Malia and Jake’s Connection Amidst Chaos
In season 6, Malia took on the groundbreaking role of bosun, marking her as the first woman to achieve this position in the Below Deck franchise, while Jake worked as an engineer on the Lady Michelle. Both of their roles required them to perform under substantial pressure, creating a natural synergy that likely drew them closer together. The confined quarters and relentless demands of yachting fostered an environment ripe for trust and intimacy to flourish.
The chemistry between them soon became evident to both fellow crew members and viewers, as their banter evolved into flirtation. In August 2021, Jake publicly confirmed their relationship by sharing a photo of them sharing a kiss. Following suit, Malia posted a cheeky image with the caption, “When you cheers at the beginning of the night knowing there is a lot more wine to come,” effectively signaling their romance to fans of Below Deck Mediterranean.
Malia White: Embracing Vulnerability and Personal Growth
In February 2023, Malia announced her breakup with Jake Baker, which she described as a significant turning point in her life. She acknowledged that transitioning from a serious relationship with Chef Tom Checketts into the romance with Jake left her little time for self-exploration. When contemplating future relationships, Malia remarked, “I’m not going to say I’ll never date a yachtie again, but I’m definitely going to choose wisely.”
During a candid interview with Bravo, Malia emphasized the necessity of prioritizing her wellbeing after the end of these intense partnerships. She reflected, “I think I also realized that I went from such a really intense relationship with Tom, like straight into a relationship with Jake. And I never had time to kind of take a break.”This realization propelled her towards a period of self-discovery, allowing her to embrace her independence and rethink her approach to romance.
What Lies Ahead: The Future for Malia and Jake
Since parting ways with Jake, Malia has concentrated on advancing her career while embracing fresh opportunities. In October 2023, she made an appearance on season 3 of Bravo’s Winter House. Currently, she is serving as Chief Mate 3000 and working in the yachting sector within the UK.
Conversely, Jake has remained relatively private since their split, with little information available about his life following the end of their relationship. Although their time together was brief, it highlights the challenges of maintaining personal relationships in the demanding environment of reality television. Malia’s journey serves as a testament to her resolve to focus on her own well-being, and fans are keen to witness her continued evolution in upcoming seasons of Below Deck Mediterranean.
Below Deck Mediterranean is available for streaming on Peacock.
Sources: Showbiz CheatSheet, Bravo, Malia White/Instagram
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