Below Deck Down Under introduces Wihan du Toit, a Bosun with a controversial approach to leadership that echoes the missteps of past crew members like Gary King. Hailing from South Africa, Wihan brings experience as a seasoned yachtie, yet his professionalism on the job raises significant concerns. As the Bosun aboard the motor yacht Katina, anchored in the picturesque Seychelles for this season, Wihan is expected to uphold standards, but his behavior suggests otherwise.
From the outset, it is clear that Wihan’s conduct lacks the professionalism needed for his position. His personal issues frequently overshadow his duties, as evidenced by his inappropriate interactions with multiple crew members. Coupled with a dismissive attitude towards authority figures, including his inability to accept constructive criticism, one cannot help but question the decision to have him on board. His future with the crew appears tenuous at best as he grapples with ongoing conflicts.
Inappropriate Relationships with Female Crew
Romantic Entanglements Aboard
Romantic flings, or “boatmances,”within the Below Deck franchise are not uncommon; however, Wihan seems oblivious to the unspoken boundaries that typically govern such interactions. Initially expressing interest in Stew Brianna Duffield, Wihan quickly shifted his focus to Chef Tzarina Mace-Randolph and Stew Marina Marcondes de Barros, leading to a complicated love triangle among the trio.
After a brief kiss with Tzarina, he subsequently requested a date with Marina, creating unnecessary tension between the crew members. Despite stating he had no interest in either woman, he later kissed Tzarina again, sending mixed messages. This indecisiveness escalated when he expressed interest in Adair Werley, another deckhand working under his supervision, which raises serious ethical concerns given the power dynamics at play.
A Note That Crossed the Line
Wihan’s Cringeworthy Gesture
After creating turmoil among his colleagues, Wihan made the questionable decision to pursue Adair, expressing feelings that must have felt inappropriate given his recent romantic entanglements. As the two worked together, Wihan confessed to Adair about his feelings while maintaining an awkward professionalism—an unsettling move that seemingly disregarded the boundaries of their work relationship.
“Oh my god. Wihan and I are a great team, but he just doesn’t really seem like my type of guy. I want my guy to have a nice southern accent and drive a big lifted truck. Do you think Wihan’s gonna pull up and roll the window down in the lifted King Ranch? No. Wihan drives a Mini Cooper.”
Adair’s professional demeanor shone through as she diplomatically deflected Wihan’s advances, a response that highlights how uncomfortable such situations can be, especially in a work environment. Should he have considered the implications of his actions, Wihan’s overt displays of affection—culminating in a handwritten note expressing his infatuation—created undue tension and discomfort for Adair.
“Adair, while country music is playing in the background, clearly those beautiful green eyes and beautiful smile has taken over and all I’m thinking about is the next time I’m seeing you again… Adair, I know we are working together and spending a lot of time together. I want to keep it professional at all times, but I won’t lie and say I don’t have feelings for you.”
This letter not only demonstrated Wihan’s lack of professional judgment but also put Adair in a precarious position, having to maintain a working relationship in the shadow of his expectations. Despite being cautioned by fellow crew member Harry, who suggested against sending the letter, Wihan remained convinced of its appropriateness, exacerbating the awkwardness for Adair.
Difficulty Accepting Feedback
Conflicts with Chief Stew Lara Rigby
Throughout the season, Chief Stew Lara Rigby has consistently highlighted Wihan’s irresponsible behavior, particularly his encouragement of rivalry among the interior crew. When Lara requested exterior crew assistance during dinner service, Wihan’s refusal to collaborate demonstrated his inability to grasp the collaborative spirit necessary for their duties. Instead of taking responsibility, he reacted defensively, showcasing his reluctance to grow from constructive criticism.
“Don’t mess with my girls.”
Lara’s astute observations about Wihan’s lack of accountability were spot on, further emphasizing how he fails to meet the expected leadership qualities. His irritation towards any monitoring of his crew suggests an unwillingness to acknowledge his shortcomings as a leader, which could hinder the overall morale and productivity of the team.
Disrespect Towards Colleagues
Dismissiveness Towards Sous Chef Alesia
Wihan’s pattern of unprofessionalism continued when he asked new Sous Chef Alesia Harris to prepare a cheeseboard for himself and Adair, an expectation born out of his personal interests rather than the needs of the guests. When confronted about his motives, he attempted to assert his authority, showcasing a troubling trend of undermining colleagues’ work.
Alesia’s innocent inquiry about how Adair felt regarding Wihan’s previous romantic advances struck a nerve, prompting Wihan to lash out and deny any wrongdoing. Instead of accepting feedback gracefully, he retreated into a defensive stance, making it clear he lacks respect for his coworkers. This toxic environment cast a shadow on team morale.
Given Wihan’s fairly evident disregard for decorum and ethics, there is a strong case for his termination from the show. An accountability measure is overdue for Wihan, not only for his treatment of women, particularly Adair, but also for his overall negative impact on the crew environment.
Fans can continue to follow the unfolding drama of Below Deck Down Under every Monday at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Peacock.