Kate Chastain and Captain Lee Rosbach were once one of the most iconic duos in the Bravo universe, but the “Below Deck” alum admits their friendship has changed since they both exited the series.
Kate Chastain Says She Has Lost Touch With Captain Lee
In Us Weekly’s “Below Deck” cover story, Chastain, 42, shared that she and Rosbach, 75, no longer speak regularly. “I moved away from Fort Lauderdale and obviously we don’t work on boats together anymore,” she explained.
“But he was always such a big part of my life that we’ve lost touch a little bit,” Chastain continued. “But I wish him very well.”
Chastain joined “Below Deck” in season 2 and worked exclusively with Rosbach until her exit in 2020. Rosbach confirmed his own departure three years later. The pair reunited briefly in 2023 to co-host “Couch Talk With Captain Lee and Kate.”
When Rosbach faced health issues during his final season, Captain Sandy Yawn temporarily stepped in. Though Rosbach publicly questioned Sandy’s leadership style, Chastain took a diplomatic stance.
“I think that Sandy is a really talented captain. She always has been,” she told Us in June 2024. “I think she drives the boat the best out of any captain in any Below Deck franchise.” Chastain added that she was not interested in picking sides: “Just like with any other friends, I’m not going to take sides or end a friendship if that’s not how I feel.”
Where Captain Lee And Ben Robinson Fit Into Kate’s Life Today
While Chastain may have drifted from Rosbach professionally, she still considers him family. The former chief stew is now a mom to son Sullivan Cay, and both Rosbach and chef Ben Robinson play special roles in her little boy’s life.
Chastain affectionately dubbed Robinson Sullivan’s “fun-cle” (fun uncle) and described Rosbach as a grandfather figure. During the October 1 episode of “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen,” she revealed that Sullivan’s current favorite is Robinson. “Well, Chef Ben is promising to cook for him. So right now, [Ben],” she joked.
As for Rosbach, Chastain laughed about his hands-off style, saying he’s “the type of grandfather figure to Sullivan that you would expect to say, ‘I don’t do diapers.’” Still, his advice is always welcome. On a recent episode of “Couch Talk,” Rosbach told her: “Be a parent first, and a friend later. Somebody’s got to be the (expletive)!”
Fans can stream all of Kate Chastain and Captain Lee’s seasons of “Below Deck” on Peacock.
