Ranking the best Chief Stews

Since its debut in 2013, Bravo’s Below Deck franchise has taken viewers into the high-stakes, high-glamour world of luxury yachting. Among the most central figures in this nautical drama are the chief stews — tasked with managing demanding guests, running a tight interior, and keeping their cool amid high-seas chaos. With multiple spinoffs (Below Deck Med, Sailing Yacht, Down Under, and Adventure), the franchise has introduced a wide array of personalities. Here's our definitive ranking of the top five chief stews who’ve made waves — in the best way possible.

1. Kate Chastain (Below Deck)

Seasons: 2–7
Why She Ranks #1: Kate Chastain is the gold standard. With her dry wit, unflappable poise, and fierce command of the interior, Kate turned Below Deck into must-watch TV. She managed high-maintenance charter guests with grace and delivered top-tier service, all while bringing just the right dose of drama. Her banter with Captain Lee and iconic one-liners (“Jesus take the wheel!”) helped cement her as a Bravo legend.

 

Legacy: She didn’t just define the role — she elevated it. Even after departing the show, her presence lingers in every new chief stew’s performance.

2. Hannah Ferrier (Below Deck Mediterranean)

Seasons: 1–5
Why She Ranks #2: Love her or loathe her, Hannah Ferrier was Below Deck Med’s backbone. Her charisma, warmth with guests, and entertaining personality made her a fan favorite. She could be divisive among crew, but her resilience — especially in the face of public scrutiny — was commendable.

Controversy: Her dramatic firing in Season 5 (over unregistered Valium) became a pivotal moment in franchise history and fueled heated debate among viewers.

Legacy: She made the Mediterranean charter experience feel like an emotional rollercoaster and left a void that’s been hard to fill.

3. Aesha Scott (Below Deck Med, Down Under)

Seasons: Below Deck Med (4–5), Below Deck Down Under (1–2)
Why She Ranks #3: Aesha is the heart of the franchise. With infectious energy, a quirky sense of humor, and genuine kindness, she’s proven to be a standout leader. In Down Under, she showed that she could command a team while maintaining her signature goofiness — striking the perfect balance between professional and personable.

Leadership Style: Supportive and bubbly, but not afraid to set boundaries. A true team player who brings out the best in others.

4. Daisy Kelliher (Below Deck Sailing Yacht)

Seasons: 2–4 (and counting)
Why She Ranks #4: Daisy has redefined leadership aboard the Parsifal III. A strong, efficient chief stew with a no-nonsense attitude, Daisy knows how to deliver service and manage strong personalities — including her now-famous love-hate bromance with Chief Engineer Gary King.

 

Strengths: She’s highly competent, unafraid of confrontation, and has brought structure to what could easily be chaotic interiors — especially on a sailboat.

5. Fraser Olender (Below Deck)

Seasons: 9–11
Why He Ranks #5: As the franchise’s first male chief stew, Fraser brought a fresh perspective. His transition from second stew to chief was rocky, but he’s grown into the role — balancing a high standard of service with an eye for style and refinement. He’s not always drama-free, but he’s relatable and earnest.

Noteworthy Trait: Emotional intelligence. Fraser shows vulnerability and growth, and fans appreciate his journey.

Honorable Mentions

  • Bugsy Drake (Below Deck Med): Impeccable table settings and party planning — “Queen of Tablescapes.”

  • Tumi Mhlongo (Down Under, Med): Stylish and poised with a future as a standout chief stew.

  • Jenna MacGillivray (Sailing Yacht Season 1): A more polarizing figure, but undeniably skilled.

Final Thoughts

The chief stew position is arguably the most intense and visible role on Below Deck. These five have not only handled the pressure — they’ve thrived, giving fans some of the franchise’s most memorable moments. Whether it’s Kate’s razor-sharp sarcasm or Aesha’s sunny optimism, each brings something unique to the table… or beach picnic.

Let us know your rankings — and which chief stew you’d want on your dream yacht!