Photography by: Sarah Krick
Hair & Makeup by: Stephanie Amaro
Styling by: Danielle Premone
From her first day aboard Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Daisy Kelliher has been a force to be reckoned with. Known for her wit, work ethic, and unapologetic honesty, the chief stew has become one of the longest-standing and most beloved cast members in the Below Deck universe. Fans around the world have watched her navigate luxury charters, unpredictable guests, and high-seas drama with equal parts grace and grit. Now, she is inviting them to join her in a whole new way through her upcoming podcast, Yacht Mess, which launched this October.
“I never thought I’d still be here five years later,” Daisy laughs. “I like to think fans connect with me because I’m authentic. I make mistakes, own them, and then laugh about them. People can relate to that. They’ve been on this journey with me, and I think that honesty keeps them coming back.”
Her candid personality has long been her superpower. As chief stew, Daisy has mastered the art of balancing crew dynamics while delivering first-class service to some of the world’s wealthiest clients. “There’s a lot of pressure to perform at your best,” she admits. “You’re juggling guest needs, boat logistics, and crew management, all at the same time. It’s difficult, but I love it.”
That behind-the-scenes balancing act is exactly what made Below Deck a global hit. “People are shocked to see how hard we work and how little personal space we have,” she says. “There aren’t many jobs where you eat, sleep, work, and socialize in such a small, intense environment.”
While the show has delivered plenty of memorable moments, Daisy says the most challenging charters are often the ones that stay with her the longest. “When you’re running on pure exhaustion and it feels like the charter will never end, it’s tough both mentally and physically. But the sense of accomplishment afterward is unmatched.”
Of course, a great charter depends on more than just the crew. “A well-functioning boat and good weather are key,” Daisy explains. “But energy is everything. If the crew is having fun, the guests will too. Good vibes on board make all the difference.”
That focus on morale has guided her leadership style since day one. “A good sense of humor is vital,” she says. “It makes those long days almost enjoyable. And being approachable is just as important. If your crew knows you’re understanding and easy to talk to, everything runs smoother.”
Next year, Daisy takes on her biggest challenge yet as chief stew on Below Deck Down Under, working on her largest superyacht so far. “It’ll be exciting for viewers to see me with a new captain and crew,” she shares. “I felt pressure to prove myself and deliver the best service possible. There were definitely tears, laughter, and everything in between.”
When she’s not at sea, Daisy still seeks adventure. She recently completed the Tour du Mont Blanc, a grueling trek across the Alps that reminded her why she fell in love with the yachting lifestyle. “Yachties are naturally adventurous and resilient,” she says. “That hike embodied everything I love about this career.”
Now, Daisy is channeling that same energy into Yacht Mess, her new podcast co-hosted with Marc MacNamara. The two first met when Marc appeared as a guest on Below Deck, and their chemistry was instant. “Marc saw me mention a podcast during a Q&A on Instagram and pitched Yacht Mess,” Daisy recalls. “We loved the idea and worked together to create the perfect format.”
The podcast promises a mix of humor, behind-the-scenes stories, and unfiltered conversations that reveal a different side of Daisy and Marc’s personalities. “We’ve had so much fun recording, and we hope listeners feel that. We just want to bring some joy and laughter into people’s lives.”
Despite her global fame, Daisy remains refreshingly grounded. “I think the biggest misconception about yachting is how close the crew actually are,” she says. “People forget this is just a job. When the season ends, we go back to our normal lives. It’s a huge part of my world, but it’s not all of it.”
From leading crews across the world’s most luxurious yachts to sharing laughs behind the mic, Daisy Kelliher continues to prove that authenticity never goes out of style. With Yacht Mess, she invites fans to see the woman behind the uniform: unfiltered, funny, and always ready for the next adventure.
Follow Daisy on Instagram at @daisykelliher87 for updates on Yacht Mess and her upcoming return to Below Deck Down Under in early 2026.
