Unveiling the Controversial ‘Boatmance’ of Below Deck Season 3
Bravo’s Below Deck season 3 left a lasting impression when it aired in 2015, particularly due to the highly-publicized relationship between Bosun Eddie Lucas and third stew Raquel “Rocky” Dakota. Their clandestine romance, referred to as a “boatmance,”fueled considerable off-screen drama and impacted the dynamics of the crew.
A Relationship Built on Secrets
This intriguing relationship began in the more private corners of the yacht, away from the watchful eyes of the production team and cameras. Despite their efforts to keep things under wraps, the undercurrents of their romance inevitably led to significant changes in the show’s production protocols.
The journey started with Rocky showing interest in deckhand Emile Kotze, but their brief connection fizzled after a failed date. As the season progressed, Rocky’s focus shifted to Eddie, who was, at that time, in a relationship himself. Their hidden moments, shared in forbidden locations such as the laundry room and restroom, ultimately triggered a scandal that reverberated throughout the season.
Behind Closed Doors: The Fallout of Rocky and Eddie’s Affair
The duo’s intimate escapades continued without the knowledge of their castmates or the filming crew until revelations surfaced later in the season. Rocky confided in her fellow crew members, sharing the details of their secretive encounters.
“It was three times in the laundry room, one time in the restroom, and we kept it under wraps,”she shared at the time.
Despite the thrill of their relationship, Eddie publicly denied any involvement while the season aired. However, unrealized footage released during the finale revealed the truth, escalating tensions among the crew and prompting questions about their openness. Captain Lee Rosbach later expressed his surprise, admitting in an interview for The Daily Dish that he had been completely unaware of the situation while filming.
This unexpected drama led to noticeable changes in production. Consequently, cameras were added to even the most private areas of the yacht, including the laundry room. Captain Lee remarked, “We now have cameras in the laundry room,” while Chief Stew Kate Chastain humorously lamented the consequences of their romance.
“They ruined it for everyone. This is why we can’t have nice things, [Lucas] and [Dakota],” she stated.
Eddie Reflects on the Experience
After the season concluded, Eddie admitted to his girlfriend about the affair, which initially resulted in a breakup, though they eventually reconciled. In a candid discussion with The Daily Dish, he expressed remorse over his actions during Below Deck season 3.
“There were a lot of things going on in my life at the time, and it wasn’t my best moment,” Eddie reflected, indicating that the fallout contributed to his decision not to return for season 4.
Moreover, Rocky disclosed that their relationship did not conclude with the final credits; she claimed they connected twice more post-filming. Eddie, however, has not publicly affirmed her account.
The Legacy of a Scandalous Romance
The relationship between Eddie and Rocky has left an indelible mark on the Below Deck franchise. Recent insights from The New York Times reveal statements from Noah Samton, Bravo’s Senior Vice President of Current Production, who noted,
“[The cast is here] to share every aspect of their lives. Those are the rules. The only place you have privacy on the boat is the bathroom.”
He emphasized that hidden spaces like the laundry room would no longer exist without oversight.
For fans eager to re-watch this tumultuous season and its notorious moments, Below Deck is available for streaming on Bravo.