João Franco is acknowledging the special lady in his life ahead of Below Deck Down Under Season 4.
The second officer and off-screen yacht captain, who began as a deckhand on Season 3 of Below Deck Mediterranean, shared an “appreciation post” about his girlfriend and fellow yachtie, Domi Tiesi, on Oct. 28. Both were all smiles in a photo taken in front of a majestic view of Victoria Falls, but the caption was more bittersweet.
“I’ve started leaning towards not putting people in my life in the spotlight,” João wrote. “This next season is going to be a tough one because we had broken up and it can get really s–tty for people I’m close to and it’s not fair… So here is for a little recognition to someone who truly wears her heart on her sleeve and shows up no matter what.”
João was just revealed to be the second officer in the Below Deck Down Under Season 4 lineup, as featured in the currently-airing crossover with The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
Details on João Franco’s relationship with girlfriend Domi Tiesi
The Zimbabwe-born yachtie and Domi started dating in June 2022, according to an Instagram post celebrating their first anniversary.
“I fell for you so quick and so strong, there was no turning back even after the first week and I feel the same way now,” Domi said at the time. “We have traveled to over 20 countries, lived in two, and are now exploring the seas together working side by side.”
In November 2024, João gave Domi a special shoutout “for being by my side and seeing the good in me even when I cannot see it in myself.”
Related: Aesha Scott and Daisy Kelliher Reveal Why They Changed Below Deck Series
What João Franco has been up to since Below Deck Down Under Season 2
When first appearing on BDDU for its second season, João commanded the respect of Captain Jason Chambers and Harry Van Vliet, and also explored a romantic connection with Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph. He was absent for Season 3, working as a captain on a 43-meter super yacht he helped build and advancing toward his Yacht Master’s license.
That came true in March 2023, he shared on Instagram. He his now working toward becoming a maritime engineer, per another post on June 9.
Despite sparks going nowhere with João and Tzarina in Season 2, the chef commended him on the Feb. 3 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen for “really smashing it” in his successful yachting career away from the Below Deck franchise.
“After everything we went through personally, I’m never going to undermine the fact that he was actually one of the best crew members I ever worked with,” she said.
Related: Below Deck’s Harry Van Vliet Reveals He Has New Girlfriend: “Over a Year Long Secret”
What is Below Deck Down Under‘s premiere date for Season 4?
The premiere date for Below Deck Down Under Season 4 has yet to be announced.
As you await further details, check out the double date João and Domi had with Below Deck Sailing Yacht’s Captain Glenn Shepherd.
