Below Deck Sailing Yacht: Daisy Kelliher Unpacks Gabriela’s Quit Threat and Season 3’s Intense Crew Dynamics
The high seas of reality television are rarely calm, and Below Deck Sailing Yacht is no exception. This season has brought its fair share of dramatic swells, particularly within the interior team, leaving viewers and even the crew themselves questioning what’s next. Head Stewardess Daisy Kelliher, a fan favorite known for her no-nonsense approach and impeccable work ethic, recently sat down with HollywoodLife on IG Live to peel back the layers of this drama-filled season. Among the most talked-about moments has been Gabriela Barragan’s recent threat to quit, a development that surprised many, including Daisy herself.
For Daisy, who is tasked with overseeing the smooth operation of the interior, crew conflict is an unwelcome distraction, especially when there are guests to impress and charters to execute flawlessly. “I was quite surprised,” Daisy admitted regarding Gabriela’s ultimatum. Viewers have observed what appeared to be a more “hands-off approach” from Daisy this season, a perception she addressed directly. “Everyone is like, ‘Daisy is taking such a hands-off approach,’ and I actually asked several times. I said I would talk to them after the charter, and I asked Ashley and Gabriela, ‘So how did the charter go?’ And they were like, ‘It was great.’ I asked them to air their grievances, I asked if they had any problems, and they were like, ‘No, we think it worked really well.’ So I was like, ‘Okay, sweet, let’s carry on.'”
However, what the stewards were telling Daisy directly was starkly different from the reality unfolding on deck and being reported by other crew members. While Ashley and Gabriela presented a united, albeit false, front of harmony, the friction between them was palpable to others. Daisy soon discovered that members of the deck and engineering teams, including Marcos, Gary, and Colin, were approaching her with concerns about the ongoing fighting and issues between Gabriela and Ashley. This disconnect placed Daisy in a difficult position, making her feel as though she wasn’t effectively managing her team. “I was looking bad at my job,” she revealed, frustrated by the lack of transparency. “Every time I asked, they said ‘nothing.’ So, I stormed into Ashley’s cabin and said, ‘Don’t tell me everything is great. You need to be direct and tell me what’s going on.'”

This candid confrontation finally broke the silence, prompting Ashley to open up about her significant issues with Gabriela, and crucially, her contemplation of quitting. Daisy, originally from Dublin, expressed her exasperation. “I very much made her. I was sick of it at this stage,” she recounted. The revelation of Ashley’s desire to leave was still a shock. “Was I surprised? Yeah. Because I was very approachable. I asked them several times. And I was like, ‘I don’t know why you felt like you couldn’t come to me. Like I’m right here.'” This sentiment highlights the inherent difficulties of leadership in a high-pressure, confined environment where personal dynamics can easily spill over into professional duties.
The unique world of superyachting, especially on a sailing yacht, amplifies every emotion and interaction. Crew members live, work, and socialize in extremely close quarters for extended periods, creating an intense atmosphere where conflict is almost inevitable. Daisy elaborated on this, explaining why the show resonates so deeply with audiences. “I think this is why our show is such a success! Our job is so weird, because socializing is a major aspect of every job, but this is on another level,” she explained. The ability to maintain professional standards while navigating constant personal proximity is a rare and demanding skill. “That skill, to be able to socialize and not let it cross into your professionalism is intense, and it’s not for everybody. People are always like, ‘You live, work, and socialize in this tiny boat all year with each other?’ Yup, that’s the job!”
Despite the interior team’s struggles, Daisy was incredibly impressed with the overall professionalism of her crew this season. The ability to compartmentalize personal issues and deliver top-tier service to charter guests is a testament to the crew’s dedication and skill. She noted that this year’s team was “really strong” and even believes “our charters were actually better than last year,” which is a significant achievement given the internal turmoil. This points to the crew’s remarkable capacity to perform under pressure, ensuring that guest experiences remain paramount, even when behind-the-scenes tensions are at an all-time high.
However, Daisy also issued a stark warning about the long-term effects of unchecked conflict. “Even though the charters and the guests weren’t affected, there’s still a professionalism, how we treat the boat, how we treat each other. It’s not just about getting that tip and those great reviews, it’s about having good crew morale and a safe working environment… and that part of the job, was maybe bordering on someone either getting hurt or fired.” This statement underscores the serious implications of crew drama that extends beyond mere interpersonal squabbles. In the demanding and often dangerous environment of a superyacht, a breakdown in communication or an erosion of trust can have severe consequences, impacting safety, overall performance, and ultimately, career longevity. Daisy, as a seasoned professional, understands that true success in yachting encompasses not just client satisfaction but also the well-being and cohesion of the entire team.
The saga of Gabriela, Ashley, and Daisy’s leadership journey through the stormy waters of the superyacht industry has captivated audiences. It’s a compelling look at the professional challenges, personal sacrifices, and complex relationships that define life on the waves. The high stakes, combined with the pressure of reality television, create an environment ripe for explosive moments and profound character development. Viewers are left to wonder whether Gabriela will indeed follow through on her threat to quit, how Ashley’s frustrations will evolve, and how Daisy will continue to steer her interior team toward stability and success.
The ongoing drama serves as a powerful reminder of the unique demands placed upon yacht crew members – the constant need for adaptability, resilience, and a thick skin. It’s a career that offers incredible travel and experience but also tests the limits of endurance and interpersonal skills. Daisy Kelliher’s honest insights provide a valuable perspective into the realities behind the glamor, revealing the strategic thinking and emotional intelligence required to manage a diverse group of individuals in such an extraordinary workplace.
To witness the resolution of these intense conflicts and discover the ultimate fate of the crew, be sure to tune in to Below Deck Sailing Yacht on Mondays at 8 PM ET on Bravo. The season promises to deliver more twists and turns as the Parsifal III continues its journey, with Daisy at the helm of her interior team, navigating both the open ocean and the intricate currents of human emotion.