In an unexpected and jaw-dropping twist that has rocked Bravo fans and yachties worldwide, Colin MacRae has officially taken over as Captain on Below Deck Sailing Yacht, replacing longtime fan-favorite Captain Glenn Shephard. The shake-up comes amid swirling rumors of crew mutiny, off-camera tensions, and a major cast overhaul that hints at a bold new direction for the franchise.
A Familiar Face at the Helm
Colin MacRae, known for his easygoing Kiwi charm and no-nonsense engineering chops, has been a mainstay on the show since Season 2. As Chief Engineer aboard Parsifal III, he built a loyal fan base for his level-headed professionalism, bromance with First Mate Gary King, and undeniable chemistry with Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher.
But as Bravo confirmed this week, Colin won’t be in the engine room when Sailing Yacht returns for its next season. Instead, he’ll be in the wheelhouse—steering not just the vessel, but potentially the future of the show.
What Happened to Captain Glenn?
Captain Glenn Shephard, the calm and collected Canadian who’s helmed Parsifal III since the show’s inception, has mysteriously stepped away. Bravo has remained tight-lipped on the specifics, issuing a brief statement:
“Captain Glenn has decided to step back from filming to pursue personal projects and recharge after five incredible seasons.”
But insiders tell a different story. Multiple production sources suggest there were mounting tensions behind the scenes, especially during the most recent charter season, which allegedly saw a divided crew, off-screen disputes, and what one insider labeled a “full-blown breakdown in leadership.”
A Mutiny in the Making?
Fan speculation about a mutiny has reached fever pitch on Reddit and Bravo forums, fueled by cryptic Instagram posts from past cast members and a now-deleted story by Daisy that simply read, “Loyalty is everything, even when cameras aren’t rolling.”
While no one from the current production has confirmed the term “mutiny,” one anonymous crew member shared:
“There was a moment this season where it felt like the crew didn’t trust the leadership anymore. Colin has always been respected, and stepping in as captain was a natural solution.”
The suggestion that Colin may have been elevated to captain mid-season—rather than during a hiatus—adds another layer of intrigue. Did Glenn lose control of his crew? Was there pressure from Bravo executives to refresh the show’s dynamics?
Cast Overhaul Signals Fresh Start
Adding fuel to the fire is a near-total revamp of the crew. Only Daisy remains from the core trio, with Gary reportedly exiting the series amid off-screen controversies and health concerns. Newcomers include a South African bosun with an elite racing background, a Michelin-trained chef from Barcelona, and a second stew who once dated a royal (yes, that kind of royal).
According to Bravo's press release, the new season “ushers in a new era of high seas drama, elite sailing, and uncharted emotional territory.”
Colin's Rise to Leadership
Taking the helm represents a major evolution for Colin, whose journey on Below Deck began in the background but has slowly moved center stage. Known for his emotional intelligence and quiet leadership style, fans have long speculated he could become captain one day—but few expected it to happen so soon.
Colin’s promotion is also a narrative goldmine for producers. His complex on-screen relationship with Daisy, unresolved tensions with Gary, and fan-favorite status make him the perfect anchor for a revitalized series. Viewers are already theorizing about possible love triangles, power struggles, and whether Colin will bring a stricter code of discipline than Glenn’s famously laid-back approach.
Fan Reactions: Shock, Excitement, and Some Heartbreak
The reaction online has been swift and emotional. While many fans are thrilled at Colin’s promotion, others are mourning the departure of Captain Glenn, whose gentle leadership and quirky one-liners became a hallmark of the show.
“I can’t imagine Sailing Yacht without Glenn,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “But if anyone can fill his shoes, it’s Colin. He’s earned this.”
Bravo’s decision may be a gamble, but it reflects a growing trend across the Below Deck universe: dynamic change. With Below Deck Down Under gaining momentum and Mediterranean heading into Season 10 with its own leadership drama, the franchise is clearly focused on evolving with its audience.
What’s Next?
Filming for the new season wrapped in June off the coast of Corsica, and early reports suggest it will be the most dramatic installment yet. Colin is expected to bring a more hands-on leadership style, with a greater focus on sailing authenticity and crew accountability.
Whether that will win over die-hard fans of Captain Glenn—or alienate them—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Below Deck Sailing Yacht is setting a bold new course, and Colin MacRae is firmly at the helm.
