Kate Chastain Reflects on Friendship with Captain Lee After 'Below Deck' Exit

In a recent interview at BravoCon 2025, Kate Chastain, the former chief stew on the hit reality show 'Below Deck', discussed her current life as a busy new mom and the evolving relationship with her former boss, Captain Lee.

Kate, who welcomed her son Sullivan in 2023, shared that her focus has shifted to raising her toddler, saying "I'm just so busy with my toddler." This change in her personal life has led to a drifting apart from Captain Lee, with whom she worked closely during her time on the show. "You've got something in common to talk about -- and now we don't," Kate explained. "The ship has sailed. I'm happy for him and I'm happy for me."

Despite the distance, Kate remains supportive of Captain Lee and even had kind words for another 'Below Deck' captain, Sandy Yawn. "I think Sandy is a really talented captain. She always has been. I think she drives the boat the best out of any captain in any Below Deck franchise," Kate told Us Weekly in June 2024.

As Kate navigates her new role as a mother, she is also enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with her Bravo family at events like BravoCon. "It's so good [being here]. BravoCon is a really fun little vacation from mom life," she shared, adding that she's looking forward to the next chapter, including the upcoming challenge of potty training her son.