Above average and Below Deck

Cameron Bray, Director at The Superyacht People, was instrumental in securing an Australian version of the Emmy-winning series, which commenced in the US in 2013.

After discussions that spanned three years, he and his team hosted the producers and location scouts for an in-depth famil in Australian waters, convincing them of the show’s viability based on unique landscapes, itineraries, activities and personalities. For Bravo, it was a giant leap of faith.

“It’s a massive production,” Bray explains. “To coordinate nine, three-day charters over six weeks requires 50 production crew working 24/7 to support it. That’s around 3,000 room nights in total, the cost of charter, provisions and guest requests.

“It’s a tremendous cost to the network, so we had to prove it could work.”

Along with his team, including Andy Guerin and Rachel Leard, Bray was responsible for logistics and provisions. Underpinning logistics were two support vessels used to ferry personnel, equipment and provisions to M/Y Thalassa.

“We had the 27-metre reef explorer Argo as a chase boat, which provided up to 150 meals per day. For personnel transport, we used the Red Cat Adventures boat as an around-the-clock water taxi. Red Cats can do 25 knots, which keeps ship-to-shore transfers down to an hour, minimising costs to production time.”

As to whether the pandemic added an extra layer of complication and cost to the equation, Bray is adamant that were it not for the production, many local businesses wouldn’t have survived the many months of travel restrictions and border closures, which reduced tourist numbers.

“For some, it saved their season,” he says, adding that over six weeks, the filming injected $6 million into the local economy.

Jamie Furhmann, who owns Prickly Pineapple and veg in Cannonvale, says the presence of the Below deck cast and crew was a boon to the local community. “It was very good for a small community, and everybody in town benefited. We made eight deliveries, which were significant orders.

“The onboard chefs were fantastic. We’re just 70 kilometres south of Bowen, which is the food bowl of Queensland. Whatever they could get overseas, we supplied for them and more. We presented some amazing produce, like dragon fruit, a lot of diverse fruit and veg, and they embraced it.”

Countering rumblings from some quarters of the charter and superyacht industries, Bray points out that the benefits far outweigh any perceived negatives.

“It’s reality television – sometimes hectic and obviously edited for shock value. It’s a bit of fun, but there’s a serious side to it that can’t be underestimated.

“The local tourist businesses and providores benefitted. This series showcases Australia’s locations, the wonderful destinations, and charter as a fun, safe vacation, as well as the career opportunities for crew. The entire industry will benefit, with no outlay.”

And Australia stands to gain from the international exposure by showing the dazzling natural attractions of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

The superyacht industry, owners, managers, clients, captains and brokers worldwide will be able to see for themselves the incredible appeal of this pristine region for charter and private vessel cruising.

The domestic fleet will benefit from owners interested in making their vessels work for them in the off-season and, perhaps, people new to yachting will get the urge to charter or invest in their own vessel.

“We also show off the region’s seafood and activities, and the professionals involved in tourism and superyachts,” adds Bray.

“And not just locally! Guest requests included international wines, caviar, Alaskan king crab – which we sourced and had flown over in freezer boxes from Sydney – specific candy from America, sea urchin from Tasmania.”

“Behind the scenes, professionals worked very hard to make it happen in a timely way.”

On shore, Coral Sea Marina was the host port and set-off point for the charters. Joscelyn O’Keefe, Marketing, Sales and Service Manager, says that from the point of view of a destination, there will be benefits for tourist visitation in all its forms.

“We believe it will attract people from all over the world to the Whitsundays. Showing the various points of interest, such as Hamilton Island, Whitehaven Beach, Langford Island and the outer reef, as well as diving and all the marvellous water sports, will be good for our region.”

The same allure will likely attract people to the industry, too. Joy Weston is Director at Crew Pacific Recruitment and Training, based in Cairns and founded in 2001. “I’m all for it,” she says with her inimitable enthusiasm, admitting she has watched the US series and “it’s totally addictive.

“There might be moments when you could say the crew behaviour is outrageous, and us ex-yachties will tell you, there’s plenty of that goes on in some places, but if it raises awareness of superyachts and attracts new people to a career in the industry, then it’s a great thing.”

According to Joy, there’s a dearth of young people joining the industry at entry-level. “If Below deck brings a new generation into the industry, that’s what we need. There’s a shortage of junior crew, and if they think it’s all hijinks and glamorous locations, well, we can mould them.

“Of course, crew get to experience amazing places and people, great pay and tips, but it’s like Downton Abbey on the water. Crew are there to serve, clean and do laundry. It’s hard work – and totally worth it.”

Through professional training, such as the courses offered by Crew Pacific, new recruits come to learn the ins and outs of the various roles and gain the confidence to rise through the ranks if that’s the career they wish to pursue.

“It’s complex. There are high standards and skills are required. They might not be obvious on Below deck, but our training demystifies working on superyachts.”

Quality Marine Clothing was among the suppliers to the Australian series. Duncan Curnow, Sales and Marketing Director, says the show’s benefits will radiate across the industry.

“I can only see a positive impact for us all. I have had owners and captains say they loved the look of the uniforms on the show and can they get something similar, so it’s already been great for us.

“It’s a reality television show and will show the best and worst of people’s behaviour. But it will make the general public more aware of these amazing boats and how accessible they are.

“I would hope that everyone takes it for what it is – an international television show that is opening the industry to a new audience. I hope the charter brokers get loads more business from new clients.”

Below deck: Down Under starts on 18 March 2022. Season two is already in planning and is likely to be set in Cairns around Marlin Marina.

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