This season of Below Deck Down Under has certainly seen a whirlwind of drama surrounding Bosun Wihan Du Toit. While he has stirred the pot with his antics, including a drunken kiss with Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph and subsequent dates with Stew Marina Marcondes de Barros, speculation about his impending dismissal seems unfounded. Despite Captain Jason Chambers appearing as the season’s antagonist, it’s Wihan who is arguably embodying the role of the season’s true villain.
The disputes surrounding Wihan extend beyond his romantic escapades. His laid-back leadership style has led to growing frustration among his colleagues, particularly Chief Stew Lara Rigby, and Deckhands Harry Van Vilet and Johnny Arvanitis. The tension escalated to the point where Johnny physically took out his frustration on a wall, and Harry was left in tears, consoled by Brianna Duffield, his boatmance. Striving to gather Captain Jason’s favor, it appears Wihan’s tendency to skirt responsibilities could be leading to an uneasy alliance.
Captain Jason’s Reluctance to Dismiss Crew Members
An Opportunity for Wihan
Wihan finds himself in a precarious position this season, but it appears that Captain Jason is hesitant to terminate another cast member. Even amidst Wihan’s questionable leadership and various conflicts, Jason seems to prefer mentorship over dismissal. He has been criticized for a myriad of issues, from lack of initiative to questionable safety protocol management, yet, Captain Jason continues to support him.
This isn’t Jason’s first encounter with difficult crew dynamics, and his current focus appears to be on stabilizing the crew rather than uprooting it, especially after parting ways with Sous Chef Anthony Bird. Instead of letting Wihan go, he opts to nurture his leadership skills. While this strategy may either create harmony or lead to complications amidst the chaos of charter seasons, it seems unlikely that Jason will choose to fire him anytime soon.
Wihan’s Effectiveness in His Role
Distinct Leadership Dynamics
The underlying tension between Wihan and Lara is pivotal to understanding his standing on the show. While Lara maintains a stringent focus on perfection, Wihan adopts a more laid-back methodology that often clashes with her work ethic. Their contrasting attitudes create friction, leading to a divide between the interior and exterior teams.
Strikingly, Wihan has openly acknowledged that his team experiences significant downtime, which he believes eliminates the need to assist other departments. This stance has not sat well with Lara or Chef Tzarina, who argue that the deck team should not be coasting while the rest bear the brunt of the workload. Nonetheless, Wihan’s crew effectively accomplishes their tasks, ensuring guest satisfaction without any major incidents, aside from some foam party-related issues.
Although Lara demands high performance, it seems that Wihan’s adaptable and cool-headed approach may prove to be more sustainable in the long run. Captain Jason appears to appreciate his ability to keep operations smooth, suggesting that Wihan’s future on the show remains secure as long as Jason continues to back him.
The Enduring Presence of Wihan and Gary
Drama as Entertainment Value
When considering Wihan’s future in the franchise, it’s clear that Bravo values him for the entertainment he provides. His flirtations and unapologetic behavior add layers to the unfolding drama on the Katina. Currently feuding with Deckhand Harry—who called out Wihan’s leadership—this tension translates beautifully to captivating television.
Similar issues surround Gary on Below Deck Sailing Yacht, where his reckless actions pose risks yet simultaneously contribute to his popularity. Despite the liabilities both characters present, their ability to engage audiences maintains their spots on the show. In Wihan’s case, his emotional outbursts and ongoing disputes with Lara solidify his role as an essential character in the current season of Below Deck Down Under.
The third season of Below Deck Down Under airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET and is available for streaming the following day on Peacock.