When Did Below Deck’s Kate Chastain and Captain Lee Stop Being Friends? Falling Out Explained

Kate Chastain and Captain Lee Rosbach falling out of touch is arguably one of the biggest offscreen twists in Below Deck history.

The duo started working together in 2014 when Kate joined season 2 of Below Deck. They remained the only consistent cast members from season to season until Kate announced her exit after five years.

“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, I have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new land based role,” she wrote via Instagram in 2020. “I intend to step back as a senior member of the Below Deck Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support His Majesty Andy Cohen.”

Lee, who was on the show since its debut, surprised fans when he confirmed his exit three years later. Kate and Lee reunited on Couch Talk With Captain Lee and Kate, which aired for one season in 2023.

On Below Deck, Lee was replaced with Captain Kerry Titheradge — but not before Captain Sandy Yawn briefly filled in while Lee faced health issues during his last season on the show.

After Lee publicly questioned how Sandy ran things in his absence, Kate showed support for them both. As the drama died down, fans noticed that Lee and Kate were no longer in contact, which she has since confirmed.

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of their falling out:

Late 2023

After their respective exits from Below Deck, Kate and Lee reunited on Couch Talk With Captain Lee and Kate, which aired for one season in October 2023. They spent time together at BravoCon one month later, where Us caught them for a joint interview.

June 2024

After Lee publicly questioned Sandy, Kate weighed in on the back and forth.

“I think that Sandy is a really talented captain. She always has been. I think she drives the boat the best out of any captain in any Below Deck franchise,” Kate told Us. “I don’t think that any of Lee’s criticisms of her were necessarily fair [or] warranted.”

She continued: “Just like with any other friends, I’m not going to take sides or end a friendship if that’s not how I feel.”

September 2025

During an interview with Us, Kate offered an update on her friendship with Lee, saying, “I moved away from Fort Lauderdale and obviously we don’t work on boats together anymore. But he was always such a big part of my life that we’ve lost touch a little bit. But I wish him very well.”

November 2025

“I’m just so busy with my toddler,” Kate shared with Us while attending BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas. “I think it happens when you work with somebody.”

Kate clarified why she was no longer in touch with Lee. “You’ve got something in common to talk about — and now we don’t,” she added. “The ship has sailed. I’m happy for him and I’m happy for me.”