The tension between Ben Willoughby and Captain Kerry Titheradge on Below Deck came to a head in a recent episode. Ben questioned Kerry’s authority multiple times during their final charter, feeling frustrated with Kerry’s micromanaging and strict approach. Kerry, on the other hand, felt that the crew was slacking off and needed to uphold standards of cleanliness and tidiness on the yacht. He announced cabin inspections to ensure safety measures were being met, which didn’t sit well with Ben and some of the crew members.
Despite having an entire workday’s notice about the inspections, Ben and deckhand Kyle Stillie refused to participate in cleaning their rooms, expressing their frustration with Kerry’s command. While most of the crew found time to tidy up, Ben and Kyle showed defiance in the face of Kerry’s expectations. The rest of the team prepared for the inspections, with Fraser Olender being the only one excited at the prospect of Kerry examining his personal space, while others like Dylan Pierre De Villiers and Nick Tatlock received mixed scores on their rooms.
When Kerry finally inspected Ben and Kyle’s room and found it in disarray, he was shocked and disappointed by their lack of respect and cleanliness. He felt that their behavior was disrespectful and unacceptable, given the expectations and standards that needed to be upheld on the yacht. In a tense confrontation with Ben and Kyle, Kerry expressed his frustration and disappointment, emphasizing the importance of hierarchy and following orders on the boat. He felt that the crew’s insubordination was a direct challenge to his authority as captain.
This incident of insubordination by Ben and Kyle was not an isolated one, as Ben had previously mentioned some friction with Kerry due to their different leadership styles. Ben preferred a more collaborative and less authoritative approach, while Kerry was more military-oriented and expected strict adherence to his commands. The conflict between the two had been building up throughout the season, culminating in the dramatic confrontation over the cabin inspections and the crew’s response to Kerry’s directives. The resolution of this conflict and its impact on the crew dynamics will likely be explored in future episodes of Below Deck season 11.
Overall, the clash between Ben, Kyle, and Captain Kerry highlighted the challenges of maintaining discipline and respect within a crew dynamic on a superyacht. Each member’s attitude towards authority, standards, and hierarchy played a role in creating tensions and conflicts that needed to be addressed. The differing leadership styles of Ben and Kerry had a significant impact on the crew’s behavior and responses, leading to a breakdown in communication and cooperation. As the season progresses, viewers can expect more drama and confrontations as the crew navigates these dynamics and strives to uphold the standards set by the captain.
