Before the latest season of Below Deck Down Under kicked off, doubts lingered about Lara Rigby’s qualifications for the Chief Stew position. However, she has since shown not only her competence but also why she was the ideal replacement for the beloved Aesha Scott. The season has unfolded with its share of drama, especially as Lara faces off against the controversial Bosun Wihan Du Toit regarding service standards. On top of that, Wihan seems intent on charming nearly every female crew member on board the Katina, even going so far as to write a love letter to Deckhand/Stew Adair Werley.
Amidst the ongoing upheaval, Lara has demonstrated that she may be different from Aesha, but she is undoubtedly the right fit for the role. The show’s third season would have struggled significantly without her, particularly as Wihan grapples with managing the deck and Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph confronts her own challenges in the galley. Here’s an overview of why Lara Rigby is here to stay.
6 Lara’s Stews Respect Her
Only Adair Causes Trouble
Throughout Below Deck Down Under season 3, Lara has earned substantial respect from her Stews. Despite occasional disagreements, crew members like Brianna Duffield and Marina Marcondes de Barros have primarily trusted her leadership. When Lara assigned Marina to housekeeping duties while Brianna focused on guest service, it sparked frustration, reflecting Marina’s desire for a more balanced rotation during the charter season.
Adair has been the sole dissenting voice in the crew but Lara stands firm, demonstrating her authority and decisiveness. Her system aims for efficiency rather than favoritism, and she does not let Adair’s concerns undermine her leadership. Lara maintains control over her interior team regardless of personal opinions.
5 Lara Doesn’t Tolerate Wihan’s Nonsense
She Holds Him Responsible for His Inefficiencies
Lara is anything but a pushover, positioning herself as a strong counterpoint to Wihan. As Chief Stew, she demands a commitment to quality from the Bosun, who is technically her equal. Yet, Wihan’s relaxed attitude—evident in his lengthy breaks while others worked—quickly turned her against him. After a chaotic foam party left the deck in disarray, Lara criticized the deck crew for their lack of initiative, while Wihan opted for snacks instead of lending a hand.
Professionalism is Lara’s top priority, and she is unwilling to let Wihan’s attitudes jeopardize guest satisfaction. Despite multiple efforts by Lara and Chef Tzarina to hold him accountable, Wihan brushed them off, making excuses and attributing his inefficiencies to the weather. Captain Jason Chambers warned that their lack of cohesion could lead to someone being sent home, but Lara remained steadfast, asserting that she would not put up with Wihan’s unprofessional conduct.
4 Lara Is Professional With Captain Jason
She Manages the Interior Crew Effectively
While Lara’s rapport with Captain Jason might differ from Aesha’s playful demeanor, her professionalism establishes her as the ideal replacement. Rather than cultivating a flirty banter, Lara emphasizes a more formal, businesslike relationship, aimed at operating the interior smoothly.
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Below Deck Down Under |
Lara Rigby |
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Age |
36 |
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Position |
Chief Stew |
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Hometown |
Cornwall, UK |
Lara’s composed demeanor under pressure has rapidly garnered Captain Jason’s trust. She excels at delivering solid dinner services and addressing crew challenges, all while remaining resolute in her leadership. Although their interactions may lack the playful repartee shared between Captain Jason and Aesha, the respect underlying their working relationship is undeniable. Captain Jason requires a Chief Stew who can prioritize work without distractions, and Lara delivers just that, allowing him to focus on the complexities involving Chef Tzarina and Wihan.
3 Lara Is Willing to Mediate Between Chef Tzarina and Wihan
She Acts As a Neutral Mediator
Although tensions could escalate between Lara and Chef Tzarina in Season 3, Lara has proven to be a steadfast ally to Chef Tzarina while also serving as a bridge when Wihan acts poorly towards her. Lara prefers a structured, organized environment for guest service, which contrasts with Chef Tzarina’s more chaotic nature. Still, they bond over their mutual frustrations concerning Wihan’s inconsistent behavior.
Lara leans toward siding with Chef Tzarina primarily due to Wihan’s unacceptable conduct. Initially, Wihan’s drunken kiss during a game led Chef Tzarina to believe there might be a romantic affair. However, complications arose when Wihan later dated Marina and penned a love letter to Adair. This erratic behavior clearly bothered Lara, prompting her to address Wihan about the potential fallout from his actions. Despite his insistence that his behavior was harmless, Lara continues to function as a neutral party between the two, ensuring that the team can function more cohesively.
2 Lara Is Stern but Not Rude
She Displays Confidence and Assertiveness
Lara expertly balances stern leadership without crossing into rudeness aboard the Katina. While some Chief Stews rely on intimidation tactics or passive aggression, Lara’s approach fosters excellence while maintaining respect. Her management style recalls esteemed Below Deck figures such as Hannah Ferrier and Kate Chastain, both recognized for their high demands paired with genuine support.
“Happy @belowdeckbravo day from the girl gang of Katina ⚓️♥️”
Her effectiveness stems from a hands-on methodology. Rather than simply issuing commands, Lara gets involved in training and mentoring her team, emphasizing precision in every detail, such as making beds. Feedback from Lara is constructive, providing guidance without belittling, creating an environment where her team feels both challenged and supported. Although Adair seems to struggle with Lara’s leadership style, both Brianna and Marina express admiration for her skills.
1 Lara Prioritizes Guest Satisfaction
Her Standards of Service Are Unwavering
Above all, Lara is unequivocally focused on guest satisfaction, setting a high standard for service throughout season 3 of Below Deck Down Under. She emphasized from the start that guest service was her top priority, even if it meant facing off against her crew. When confronted with a disorganized dinner service characterized by miscommunication with Chef Tzarina regarding cutlery, Lara managed to keep her composure amid the turmoil of a multi-course meal.
Despite the rocky start, she remained centered and attentive, eagerly addressing last-minute breakfast requests from guests, ensuring that everyone received exactly what they desired. For Lara, compromising on service quality is simply not an option; if the crew can’t keep pace, she is quick to encourage them to rise to the occasion, explaining her tension with Wihan. Although Lara may bring her unique style distinct from Aesha, she has undoubtedly proven to be the right choice for the Below Deck Down Under crew.
One thing is for sure: she’s here to stay. Below Deck Down Under airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on Bravo ET and is available for streaming the following day on Peacock.
Source: Lara Rigby/Instagram