Below Deck Down Under‘s Chef Ben Robinson has had the rare opportunity of working for both Captain Jason Chambers and Captain Sandy Yawn over the course of his yachting career. As such, Ben has first-hand knowledge of their leadership styles — and he just revealed a major difference between the two.
The subject arose on the Below Deck Down Under After Show, as Ben addressed the fact that Captain Jason had stepped in and assisted with food prep in the galley during Season 4, Episode 5.
“He’s got good hands. He’s methodical as well,” Ben remarked. “If he’s looking for a full-time job, he can always apply. I don’t feel guilty. If you’re in the weeds, and a captain can help out, I think it shows good faith.”
RELATED:Â Captain Jason Chambers Reveals Why He Was “Irked” by Ben and Ellie (EXCLUSIVE)
That’s when Kate Chastain pointed out that Jason and Sandy are both “very hands-on captains.”
“Yeah, Jason’s way more so. I can’t imagine Sandy doing that,” replied Ben, who previously served under Captain Sandy on Below Deck Mediterranean. “I would imagine Sandy standing at the doorway with a frown and a nervousness, rather than literally wrapping sandwiches with cling film.”
How Chef Ben Robinson justified needing help in the galley
Ben, meanwhile, insisted that he was not running behind schedule for the charter guests’ beach picnic, even though his lunch was eventually loaded into the tender about 30 minutes late.
“I’m not buying this whole equation,” he declared on the After Show. “I remember it very distinctly. I think I was meant to be ready at 1:30, and I think it was quarter past one when he jumped in.”
Because he’d already been late in completing some earlier meals, Ben offered Kate an explanation, claiming that M/Y Katina‘s galley is “a lot bigger than most.”
RELATED:Â Captain Jason Chambers Makes a Damning Declaration on Chef Ben and Ellie: “Unacceptable”
“It’s just a lot more walking, and it just takes more time,” he reasoned. “It’s nice having a big galley, but small galleys are more efficient. It’s just because everything’s right there. I mean, you just have to pivot, rather than walk around a massive island.”
Chef Ben had said as much to his newly appointed assistant, Elena “Ellie” Dubaich, during Below Deck Down Under‘s March 2 episode.
Having admitted earlier that it was “slightly embarrassing” to have a captain helping out with a meal, Ben told Ellie, “We are dropping the ball in terms of timing. But, trust me, I’m capable of getting it right. I’m struggling in this space because it’s just like everywhere I look, it’s a f–king disaster. Sorry, everything’s just been a struggle.”
He elaborated in a confessional, “I’m really struggling right now to move as quickly as I can. I just don’t have the confidence. I haven’t been on a yacht for six years. Secondly, I broke up with my fiancée, this and that. It was bad. And I blame the galley as well — obviously, blame the galley. I will figure it out, but I’m just not there right now.”
Captain Jason Chambers shed light on helping Chef Ben Robinson in the galley
Elsewhere on the After Show, Captain Jason, for his part, addressed the need for him to step in when Ben was “running behind schedule” in the galley.
“My presence sometimes can be a voice without saying anything,” he explained. “It’s like I’m here for a reason, and because s–t ain’t happening at the time, that it needs to be done. And I will push things a little bit.”
Captain Jason also made similar comments in an Episode 5 confessional.
“The galley has timing issues. They have a problem with the clock and preparation,” he said. “Now I need to step in here. We’re skating on thin ice. I’m sure the guests aren’t happy. I wouldn’t be happy.”
Indeed, some guests made note of the lengthy meals on their comment cards. After the second charter ended, Jason addressed the issue during the tip meeting, adding, “The service was way too long. Ben’s gotta get his systems right there, because I’m really aiming for a hell of a lot more. We can do better.”
As you await the third charter to commence, get details on an earlier incident involving Ben and Ellie that “irked” Captain Jason on Below Deck Down Under Season 4.
