Skip To...
Captain Lee Rosbach has mostly been synonymous with the Below Deck series, featuring as the face of the show for the last ten years. During that period, Lee has warmed his way into fans’ hearts, and not one of them has had a bad thing to say about his dedication to the job. Amidst Lee’s ongoing health troubles, some reports have claimed that the beloved Captain would not return to the franchise. The unconfirmed news shocked many fans who hoped to see Lee swiftly return to the show. Apart from that, reports indicated that Captain Kerry Titheradge of Below Deck Adventure would permanently take Lee’s place onboard St. David due to his deteriorating health condition.
While it initially seemed like Captain Sandy Yawn — who stepped in for Lee earlier in the season — would be permanently taking over, it has emerged that Kerry is the preferred choice. The rumors started when the Instagram account @bestofbravo shared a report about Kerry replacing Lee with a picture of the former in Grenada to back up the claims.
Fans welcomed the development, and the news got more impetus when US Weekly cited the times Kerry and Lee interacted last year in a report. The two also share similarities in their no-nonsense approach to discharging their duties. Although there has been no confirmation from both parties, there is a growing belief that it would come sooner or later.
Captain’s Lee Recurring Health Issues
Captain Lee Rosbach became Below Deck’s first Captain when the series debuted in 2013. Since then, Lee’s no-nonsense attitude and wild humor have made him an unequaled fan favorite on the show. So it was devastating for many fans when he broke the news of his departure from St. David during the December 12 episode due to health concerns. Captain Lee opened up about his health condition to the Below Deck season 10 crew members in an emotionally charged confessional.
He revealed how he had been struggling with an unspecified nerve disorder that made it difficult for him to walk and also left the left part of his body numb. Lee claimed he knew about the condition before season 10 began filming, but he erroneously assumed the symptoms would improve with time. However, when the symptoms started to worsen, he decided to leave to avoid risking the boat’s safety.
Amidst growing fears that his departure may be permanent, Lee took to social media to alleviate such worries by assuring fans his health has improved since the filming of season 10. In late November, some reports further hinted that Lee had no plans on calling time on his yachting career.
Captain Lee Replaced On Below Deck
Despite the many assurances promising Lee’s return to the series, some reports have confirmed that he will permanently exit the show, with Captain Kerry Titheradge from Below Deck Adventure taking his place. According to insiders close to production, Kerry will take over the reins of St. David for season 11, which will start filming in Grenada last week. There have not been any reasons for Lee’s official exit, but most believe that it is related to his health struggles. However, the 73-year-old would likely give a nod of approval to his replacement.
Although the Australian native is still a Bravo newbie, having joined the franchise in November 2022, he has already built a solid profile. And he certainly caught the attention of Lee. In January, while speaking to Us Weekly, Kerry opened up about some words of advice given to him by Lee as the two paired up for a round of golf. He said:
“‘Be yourself. Be that same guy I was playing golf with,'”
Kerry continued:
“And then I asked him about social media and how to do that. I said, ‘I heard I should get someone to do it so I don’t get caught up in it.’ He goes, ‘No, do your own social media. Don’t let anyone do that.'”
Still, seeing the curtains come down on Lee’s time on Below Deck is so sad. Nevertheless, fans can look forward to new beginnings with Captain Kerry Titheradge.
