There’s a new Below Deck bosun in town, and it’s not who you may have expected. After Captain Kerry Titheradge fired Caio Poltronieri, an immediate replacement was required aboard the motoryacht St. David. While some may have assumed Jess Theron would take over the position via a flashback scene, Captain Kerry revealed that after noticing Caio spiraling, he proactively sought out a backup — and that’s how he found Hugo Ortega.
The New York native’s resume intrigued Captain Kerry, having worked his way up from deckhand to 2nd officer on much larger boats. This should be a breeze for Hugo! Already eager to take the lead, Hugo seamlessly integrated his way into the team, leading the charge of the three remaining deckhands. As Kyle Stillie said, “‘I already feel more confident with Hugo at the back here.” Below Deck has found a new Superman.
Who Is Hugo Ortega?
Upon arriving on St. David, Hugo brought a no-nonsense sensibility to the deck. Having been in the industry since 2015, he shared that he grew up in a religious household in the Bronx. With a father from Honduras and a mother from the Dominican Republic, there were expectations of Hugo, but he found his own path in the world of yachting. He revealed from the start that he does not like lax programs with no rules. He is an enforcer, unlike his predecessor.
During the first deckhand meeting, Jess was open about the lack of communication coming from Caio. With extensive experience on large boats with large crews, this was not a concern for Hugo. Damo Yorg kept an open mind, although he was not fond of leaders who made immediate changes. All he knows is Hugo will either be a pain or the deck team savior. During the first departure through the infamous St. Maarten bridge, Hugo not only communicated with Captain Kerry, he did so with authority and assertiveness. Unlike Caio, there is no panic emanating from him. His confidence as a bosun is essential to leading a strong team. He is what a leader should be. Captain Kerry found a great replacement!
What Role Will Jess Play on ‘Below Deck’ After Not Being Made Bosun?
After acknowledging that things were “not flowing,” Caio parted ways with Captain Kerry and the crew of St. David. While Captain Kerry believed that Caio was a “good bloke,” he was “not surviving, just thriving.” While there was mutual respect regarding the departure, it was simply not the right fit. Caio’s professionalism regarding his layoff was excellent to see, as some previous crew members had put up a stronger fight. As deckhand Damo put it, the writing was on the wall; Caio was the only one unable to see it. But did Captain Kerry miss what he had before him all along?
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Though Hugo’s resume was exactly what he needed in light of Caio’s lack of leadership, overlooking Jess was truly disappointing. In the wake of Caio’s downfall, Captain Kerry leaned on Jess. While we may not have been privy to whether she was considered or even wanted the position, it’s unfortunate that she didn’t get a shot to prove her worth. As of now, Hugo seems like he’s going to be here for the long run, so it’s not a case of her taking the spot later on.
Beyond being overlooked for a potentially fruitful position, Below Deck completely shifted Jess’ narrative. No longer are we watching her shine as a lead deckhand; her story is about the budding boatmance with Solène Favreau, creating a newfound love triangle with the already heartbroken Kyle. Admitting that she’s “pulled” straight women in the past, she is aware that she’s been used as an experiment in the past. Is that what’s going to happen in the cabins here? Below Deck has never shied away from showcasing love triangles, but this one is the first of its kind!
Below Deck airs Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. All episodes are available to stream on Peacock.
