When it was announced that Below Deck will return for Season 11 this February without our beloved Captain Lee Rosbach at the helm, some Bravo fans had mixed feelings. However, the news that Below Deck Adventure‘s Captain Kerry Titheradge will be stepping into the role should offer comfort to many. He has big shoes to fill, and we’re sure he is aware.

With nearly 30 years of experience working on boats and almost two decades in the yachting industry, Captain Kerry is the perfect person for the job. Being raised in a military family, Kerry is a disciplined leader who takes his job very seriously. However, he’s not a stranger to having a little fun onboard! Sound like anyone we know? Maybe a certain “stud of the sea!”

Speaking of that certain “stud of the sea,” we had the chance to speak to Captain Lee on the ground at BravoCon about Captain Kerry’s stepping into the wheelhouse in his stead. “I wish him all the best,” said Captain Lee with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. A class act as always, he was all in on Captain Kerry, saying, “I hope that he does the position proud.” We hope so too, Captain Lee!

Later on, we caught up with Kate Chastain, former Below Deck chief stew and current co-host of Couch Talk with Captain Lee & Kate. She too had only good wishes for Captain Kerry. “Captain Kerry is a very capable captain,” she said thoughtfully. She also pointed out that it will be a nice change of scene for Captain Kerry from his Below Deck Adventure days: “I’m sure he’s excited to leave the cold waters of Norway for the warm waters of the Caribbean.”

Chastain and Captain Lee have moved on from Below Deck, but their positive thoughts about Captain Kerry should speak volumes about his expertise and readiness for his new gig!