Below Deck Med: Why Captain Sandy Yawn Must Fire Bosun Iain Maclean
Iain Maclean is the bosun aboard the Mustique in Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, but it’s time for Captain Sandy Yawn to fire him. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Iain brings five years of experience in the yachting industry to Below Deck Mediterranean season 9. Like all bosuns in the franchise, Iain’s responsibilities include managing the deck team and ensuring the yacht’s exterior is in ship shape. However, Iain’s incompetency as the bosun has placed him in deep trouble after another series of mistakes.
Despite floundering onboard, Iain has expressed a friendly demeanor, a positive trait for his position as the bosun. Unfortunately, regardless of his supposed expertise, there were instances where his leadership was questioned by his deckhands and Captain Sandy. With the drama unfolding between stews Elena Dubaich and Bri Muller and Chief Stew Aesha Scott attempting to put out the fire, it can be easy to forget about Iain’s woes.
Iain Caused A Dangerous Situation Onboard
The Situation Remains Unresolved
Iain faced several issues with the crew and equipment in the latest episode of Below Deck Mediterranean that should culminate in his termination. He instructed his team to store the floating dock in the guest area, which upset Captain Sandy, who preferred it on the swim deck. “We need to get quicker at this,” Captain Sandy expressed to the Bosun, exasperated. It only got worse when Iain was excruciatingly slow at preparing for an excursion with charter guests, prompting Aesha to step in. However, nothing compared to the cliffhanger that could (and should) result in Iain’s firing.
Bosun Iain’s incompetence and negligence led to a dangerous situation onboard the Mustique, which should undoubtedly lead to his firing on Below Deck Mediterranean.
As the exterior crew prepared to raise the anchor, deckhand Joe Bradley discovered the starboard windlass wasn’t working due to drained batteries left on overnight, causing Captain Sandy to reach the end of her rope. Just when things couldn’t get worse for Iain, Iain likely left the tender’s battery on as well. Attempts by the crew to use the port windlass failed when the rope broke, causing the anchor to drop uncontrollably. While Below Deck Mediterranean left fans on a cliffhanger regarding the outcome, Iain should be fired.
Captain Sandy Has Given Iain Too Many Chances
He’s Not Implementing Her Feedback
Throughout the charter, Iain has failed to lead his deck team effectively, often flip-flopping between taking on too many tasks and becoming the dreaded micro-managing boss. Despite Captain Sandy’s guidance, he doesn’t seem to take her feedback seriously. At every turn, Iain ignores Captain Sandy’s concerns and blames issues on his crew, including the most recent anchor debacle.
During an awkward and potentially dangerous scene, Iain’s incompetence allowed deckhand Nathan Gallagher and a guest to float off to sea in the second charter. The incident was directly Iain’s fault as he wasn’t paying attention while a wave carried Nathan and the guest over 300 meters away, leading to a nearby catamaran coming to the rescue. Captain Sandy had a talk with the Bosun, but he didn’t process and apply the criticism.
Who Could Replace Iain As Bosun?
Captain Sandy Could Be In Trouble
If Iain gets fired on Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, Captain Sandy’s in trouble. The current deckhands, Joe, Nathan, and Gael Cameron, might not have enough experience to take over. Joe has worked in yachting for three years, but he struggled with tasks early in the season, and Iain failed to instruct him properly. Nathan and Gael are more promising options. Gael has been working in the yachting industry for three years and could step up in the interim. Nathan has less experience, but his assertive personality could lend itself well to the leadership role.
Captain Sandy could also reach outside the current crew and see who is available. While Ben Willoughby was a controversial bosun, he grew throughout Below Deck season 11. Ben said he wouldn’t work under Captain Kerry Titheradge again, but Captain Sandy might be a different story. Additionally, João Franco could be an excellent choice if he isn’t already sailing the high seas on Below Deck Down Under. He has years of experience as a bosun and has even served as a captain on smaller boats.
Regardless of who Captain Sandy chooses to replace him, it’s time for her to fire Iain. He made dangerous and careless mistakes, between letting a charter guest float away and allowing dangerous issues with an anchor to occur. Even when the issues are less significant, his leadership has been lackluster, with Iain refusing to implement Captain Sandy’s feedback. It will be shocking for Iain to last another charter on Below Deck Mediterranean.
