Gary King, the charming and larger-than-life First Mate of Below Deck Sailing Yacht, has become one of the most talked-about crew since his debut. While his leadership skills and charisma have made him a standout, they have also been accompanied by several questionable decisions highlighting his flaws. As viewers debate whether Gary has what it takes to wear the captain's hat, it's worth examining the moments that suggest he may not be ready for such a challenging and demanding role.

Gary's actions have revealed cracks in his leadership style, from squabbling with Stews to bungling critical responsibilities. His tenure has been a mix of triumphs and controversies, with some of his choices leaving fans and crew concerned. With his readiness for captaincy under scrutiny, his behavior on and off the yacht raises significant questions about his ability to lead effectively.

Gary's Stews Are Unruly

Gary's relationship with the stews under his supervision has often been a source of conflict and friction aboard Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Instead of creating a cooperative and collaborative work environment, Gary's confrontational approach has frequently fueled tensions between the crew mates. His inability to manage these situations effectively has disrupted the flow of operations and negatively impacted the overall guest experience.

A prime example of this is his ongoing conflict with Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher, a recurring theme throughout his time on the show. Their clashes often stem from miscommunications and unresolved frustrations, highlighting Gary's need for stronger conflict-resolution skills. Their on-again-off-again relationship has caused unnecessary tensions, and for someone aspiring to be a captain, the ability to unite a crew and de-escalate issues is essential—qualities Gary has yet to demonstrate consistently.

Gary Crashed The Tender Boat

The tender boat crash is one of the most blatant examples of Gary's questionable judgment when he steered the tender directly into a rock during a late-night outing, causing significant damage to the vessel and his reputation. The incident not only upset Captain Glenn Shephard but created unnecessary stress and logistical challenges for the crew, who had to deal with the aftermath of the damage. For a first mate—and an aspiring captain—such a mishap raises serious concerns about Gary's attention to detail and ability to prioritize safety.

While everyone makes mistakes, errors like this are particularly alarming in high-stakes environments such as luxury yachting. A captain must possess impeccable situational awareness and the foresight to anticipate potential hazards, especially during risky nighttime operations. Gary's failure to avoid what many would consider a preventable mistake suggests a troubling lack of focus and preparation, and this specific incident not only damaged the tender but also highlighted broader issues with Gary's decision-making skills and his capacity to handle the heightened leadership responsibilities.

Gary Was Too Lax With Chef Cloyce Martin

Gary's leadership flaws became particularly evident in his handling of Chef Cloyce Martin, whose behavior often crossed professional boundaries. On multiple occasions, Cloyce was observed engaging in lengthy conversations and socializing with guests during critical meal preparation times. These actions not only caused delays in presenting and delivering meals but also created an air of informality that detracted from the high-end experience expected on a luxury yacht.

Rather than addressing the issue promptly, Gary turned a blind eye, allowing the disruptions to continue and signaling to the crew that such lapses would go unchecked. This lack of intervention raised questions about his ability to manage staff and enforce boundaries in a professional setting. A strong leader must consistently hold his team able to maintain smooth operations and meet guest expectations.

On a yacht, where precision and efficiency are paramount, even minor errors can have a cascading effect on the overall guest experience; by failing to confront Cloyce about his unprofessional conduct, Gary risked eroding the trust and cohesion necessary for a successful crew. His reluctance to address these lapses also jeopardized the reputation of the charter and could have led to negative from guests, especially if Gary wants to step into the role of captain; he would need to demonstrate a commitment to enforcing discipline and ensuring that every crew member adheres to their responsibilities without exception.

Gary King May Not Be Ready To Be A Captain

Gary's time on Below Deck Sailing Yacht has undoubtedly made him a standout personality, thanks to his charm, quick wit, and ability to connect with guests and crew. These traits have made him an entertaining figure to watch, but they also paint an incomplete picture of what it takes to be a successful leader on the high seas. While his charm has helped diffuse tension in some situations, it has also contributed to blurred boundaries and inconsistent leadership, particularly when it comes to his flirtatious interactions with female crew .

A captain must command respect and maintain professionalism at all times, qualities that Gary has struggled to exhibit consistently throughout his tenure on the show. Beyond relationship challenges, Gary's operational missteps have further exposed gaps in his leadership capabilities; notably, his decision-making under pressure has been questionable on more than one occasion. For example, the tender boat crash could have jeopardized the safety of everyone onboard.

These incidents highlight a lack of vigilance and foresight—two crucial traits required for a captain responsible for both the crew and guests. Gary has shown flashes of potential, a true captain must be able to balance authority with empathy, set clear expectations, and foster a cohesive team environment. Gary's inability to consistently do so raises doubts about his readiness to take on such a demanding role, and without addressing these shortcomings, it's difficult to imagine him effectively navigating the responsibilities and challenges that come with being a captain.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is available to stream on Peacock.