'Below Deck' Season 8: Meet Captain Lee Rosbach, Eddie Lucas and new stew Francesca Rubi, the cast of Bravo's show
Bravo-backed 'Below Deck' has returned with Season 8 and it's going to get explosive from the word go. At least, that is what the first look suggests. The interesting bit is there are just two returning cast members and they'll have to tackle a whole new crew while living up to the expectations of demanding charter guests.
Captain Lee Rosbach
He is returning without chief stewardess Kate Chastain, which means he has a lot of work cut out for him especially with regard to explaining the rules, how he functions, and what are his priorities. These were a few things Kate didn't have to be reminded of because she had years of experience working with him. But new chief stew Francesca Rubi will have to tackle a few challenges here and there before she becomes Captain Lee's go-to person.
Francesca Rubi
Even though she comes with an impressive experience in yachting, she has a completely new crew with whom she must first establish a team bonding, and only then will they be able to function properly. At times, the interior team is able to connect effortlessly, but mostly each individual has to make special efforts to ensure that they are on the same page. Will Francesca be able to develop a quick and smooth working relationship with her stews - Isabelle 'Izzy' Wouters and Elizabeth Frankini? Time will tell.
Isabelle 'Izzy' Wouters
She was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia. Over the years, she has taken courses to master her yachting skills and today, she is more dedicated than ever to ensure that her guests never leave the boat disappointed. She also believes in forming new friendships on the boat. Will she be an efficient chief stew to Francesca?
Elizabeth Frankini
Taking a break from freelancing as a stewardess on yachts, Elizabeth is ready to immerse herself in what yachting brings on board. A Long Island native, she is more than eager to broaden her skills as an efficient member of the My Seanna crew.
Rachel Hargrove
Head chef Rachel is a perfectionist, she is comfortable in galleys that are organized. Her bio on Bravo reads she graduated from the "Culinary Institute of America and held an apprenticeship at the Michelin-starred restaurant Quatro Passi in Nerano, Italy." She is also quite the nerd when it comes to food science and is more than keen to explain the chemistry that forms the basis of putting together any meal.
Eddie Lucas
He's returning after four years since his controversial exit from the show. Eddie, in Season 3, was involved with third stew Raquel 'Rocky' Dakota and they hooked up on the boat despite him having a girlfriend back at home. The shocking news was not received well by any of his colleagues, including Captain Lee who reprimanded him for taking such a step.
James Hough
He's the party starter and an "incorrigible flirt." A subtle indication that viewers can expect a steamy romance between him and one of the girls onboard. Who will it be? Time will tell.
Shane Coopersmith
"A talented spearfisher, Shane loves to implement his environmentalist ideals for his charter guests and crew by diving beneath the waves to catch, clean, and eat food," Bravo writes. He is an environmentalist and believes in restoring and preserving nature. How helpful with this approach be? Let's find out when 'Below Deck' Season 8 premieres on Bravo tonight at 9/8c. For more information, check your local listings.