‘Below Deck’ Gabriela Barragan’s Advice To Black Yachties

Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 3 crew member Gabriela Barragan talked about bringing diversity to the cast. She is the first black woman to appear on the spinoff series. She comes after Rayna Lindsay, Lexi Wilson, Simone Mashile, and Jamie Jason. Diversity is rarely seen in the yachting series. However, it’s featured more black women and people of color in recent seasons.

Unfortunately, some of them got a bad edit or a horrible experience. Gabriela is hoping to change that. She is a seasoned crew member who’s worked on many boats in the past few years. In a new interview, the yachtie shared her thoughts about appearing on the show for the first time.

What filming Below Deck was like

Gabriela spoke to Travel Noire about filming Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Prior to the show, she freelanced in the yachting industry. However, she didn’t see it as a reality show. She just saw this opportunity “like it was another job.” At first, Gabriela handled the cameras just fine.

She’s used to working on a small boat since they offer very little privacy. Gabriela did feel more pressure to do her job well. Over time, she grew anxious over the cameras watching her every move. She wanted to impress Captain Glenn Shephard and her interior team, especially chief stew Daisy Kelliher.

“There was a lot of pressure for me to do my job perfectly. I felt pressure to show that standard and showing previous employers and mentors respect,” the Below Deck newbie told Travel Noire. “Sometimes, it was difficult having the cameras watch my every move.”

It was also Gabriela’s first time sailing to Europe or working on a large boat. She had a feeling that she was going to learn a lot from this experience. Gabriela admits it was fun to watch herself back on Below Deck Sailing Yacht. She’s also glad that she can bring more diversity to the industry.

Gabriela Barragan on representing communities

The second stew said she’s happy to “represent Bi-racial people and the LGBTQ community.” It’s rare to see that in the Below Deck franchise. Gabriela also offered advice for black women who want to work in the yachting industry but can’t see themselves.

“Don’t get intimated by the industry that is predominantly male and white. Take your coursework and just go for it!” Gabriela said. “We belong here too. And don’t let anyone make you feel like you aren’t welcome.”

By January 2020, she finished her courses in maritime school. Gabriela was set on making it in the yachting industry. She’s currently taking a break from working on superyachts and is learning to sail. After she finished filming for Below Deck Sailing Season 3, she started working in the Virgin Islands as a First Mate on Nightwind II under Captain Wes O’Dell.

Yes, that same Wes who worked as a deckhand on Below Deck Season 9. Both of them climbed up the ranks of the yachting industry. This is inspiring for black people and people of color who want to work in this industry. Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 3 airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, on Bravo.