Kizzy Kitchener Shines in This Season of Below Deck Mediterranean

Kizzy Kitchener is certainly making a name for herself this season on Below Deck Mediterranean. Hailing from Ipswich, England, she initially pursued a career in musical theater but was drawn to yachting after an old boyfriend shared his sailing dreams. At just 20 years old, Kitchener left school to travel with him, saying, “He wanted to get into yachting, and I thought I should be with him.” Now, four years later, she’s still at sea.

Her debut on the motor yacht Bravado came under the guidance of Captain Sandy Yawn, a refreshing change in a predominantly male industry. “Having a female captain was inspiring,” Kitchener noted, acknowledging Yawn’s positive influence. She also appreciated working with Chief Stew Ayesha Scott, who’s well-loved by fans for her upbeat attitude and work ethic. “We just enjoyed everything,” Kitchener shared, adding that Scott taught her to find humor even in stressful moments, explaining, “Life’s too short to take everything seriously.”

Aside from showcasing her interior design flair, Kitchener also has a knack for flirting, especially with the crew members of Bravado. However, there has been some stir around a “gentleman” from her hometown, Tommy Whiteley. “We texted often, and I thought they’d understand. But they seemed to overlook my situation,” she reflected. While they weren’t officially together during filming, Kitchener described their current relationship as strong and built on honesty.

In a conversation with DECIDER, Kitchener opened up about her experiences this season, handling rowdy guests, and her teammate Victoria St. Jones’s involvement with the deck team.

DECIDER: Kizzy, you bring such a unique energy to the crew! How did you start in yachting?

Kizzy Kitchener: I was in musical theater school when my boyfriend expressed a desire to sail. I didn’t know much about yachting back then, but I thought it was best to stick by him. So, I packed my bags and followed him to the South of France to begin my journey. Four years later, here I am.

Theme nights and performances are part of the yachting experience. Did your theater background help?

Definitely! Any service role requires a bit of acting, especially when dealing with rude customers. You have to keep smiling even if you’re feeling otherwise.

Were you a fan of the Below Deck franchise before joining the crew?

Yes, I was! I watched all the earlier seasons with Captain Lee and Kate Chastain back in school.

Did anyone prepare you for the unique environment of Bravado?

No advice could truly prepare me for the reality of working on a yacht with cameras. Once I stepped on board, it felt like a whole new challenge. But honestly, I loved it.

What were your first thoughts on Captain Sandy? Had you worked with a female captain before?

No, I hadn’t. My previous experiences were with male captains, and, to be honest, I didn’t like either of them. So working with Captain Sandy was a welcome change. She’s incredibly inspirational, and we definitely need more women in positions like hers.

Ayesha is another key figure. What’s the biggest lesson you learned from her?

A lot! But the key takeaway is not to take life too seriously. Stress is a given, but it’s better to laugh it off later. We managed to have fun throughout everything.

Your dynamic with Victoria seems strong. Was there any competition?

Initially, I thought she might be competitive after watching the first episode. But I always wanted to help her. It’s been interesting; she’s got this enthusiasm that’s really admirable and I ended up respecting her readiness to learn.

Some misunderstand your comments about Victoria’s deck experience as an attempt to edge her out. What’s your take?

That wasn’t my intention at all. I just mentioned her love for being on deck when things got tough. I figured she might be able to assist us. I definitely didn’t want to push her away. I’d rather keep our strong interior team intact.

You effectively managed intoxicated guests and kept them safe. What motivated that?

It was purely a safety concern. I wanted them to have fun, but there are serious risks out at sea, especially at night. I was looking out for their well-being.

Regarding your relationship with Tommy during the charter, does he watch the episodes with you?

He catches bits and pieces. I usually pre-watch the episodes and then decide what to share with him. Honesty is key for us, and I believe in keeping things transparent given the nature of filming.

He has been supportive of my journey on Below Deck Mediterranean. Since we weren’t officially together, I was free to explore my role, and our bond has grown on a foundation of truth.

How did the crew react when you mentioned your date with Tommy?

I don’t think they were completely blindsided. We’d been chatting, and I felt like I brought him up often, even if I didn’t label him as a “gentleman.” I thought they’d be more understanding, but they seemed to ignore it.

You recently shared your height of 4’11”. What are the advantages and disadvantages in yachting?

Being short has its perks, like smaller living spaces feeling much larger to me! But it can be a struggle when trying to reach high places. Still, I’ve learned to tackle those challenges effectively.

If you were a charter guest, what would your preference sheet include?

A little bit of everything! I’m a fan of good entertainment. Tiramisu is a must-have, along with some late-night snacks and a cozy cheese board.

Any thoughts on Sichuan chicken after this season?

Honestly, I’m done with that dish. I don’t want to see or hear about Sichuan chicken again anytime soon!

In summary, how would you describe your experience this season?

It’s been a rollercoaster ride with its highs and lows. I’ve learned a lot and come out on the other side more aware of myself and what I truly want.

Catch Below Deck Mediterranean airing Monday nights at 8 p.m. on Bravo.