I've Changed My Mind, I Don't Think Colin Macrae Should Return To Below Deck Sailing Yacht (He's Moved On Anyway)

2 weeks ago 5

Former Chief Engineer Colin Macrae has moved on since his departure from Below Deck Sailing Yacht, and I don't think he should ever return. Colin, who starred in the Bravo hit from seasons 2 through 4, steadied the Parsifal III crew with his calm and level-headed energy. He had a strong relationship with Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher and First Officer Gary King, who, along with Captain Glenn Shephard, helped make a staple in the franchise. Although Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 Chief Engineer Davide Morosi is an adequate replacement, Colin is still sorely missed.

Colin’s departure came after a tumultuous season 4. He and Daisy took their friendship to the next level, but their fling soon turned sour. The couple ended up in an explosive love triangle with Gary, who had hooked up with Daisy before the season began. After their relationship imploded, Colin left Daisy and the franchise behind. Although I would love to see him return, I believe Colin’s current endeavors prove he has his sights set beyond the Below Deck horizon.

Colin Is Too Focused On His YouTube Channel

He Has 340K Subscribers

Colin is busy pouring his energy into his YouTube channel, Sailing Parlay Revival. The page has over 340K subscribers and 60 million views, proving Colin’s ability to expand his success beyond Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Colin started the channel when he and his friends purchased a catamaran that was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2018. The videos focus on Colin's restoration work and his sailing journey.

In contrast to Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Colin’s YouTube channel allows him to set his schedule, and travel where he desires. He can focus on his love for boating rather than the personal drama that came along with his television career. I think with Colin’s success outside the franchise, he doesn't need to return to BDSY. He’s following his passion in a way that gives him control and ownership over the finished product.

20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now

Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.

Since completing the restoration, Colin has been free to pursue his dream of sailing. He successfully sailed from New Zealand to Fiji, an experience Colin called “everything that I had dreamt of.” Colin’s videos display his love for sailing in a more relaxed setting than charter yachts, and he can share his expertise with other boaters. Returning to Below Deck Sailing Yacht would take Colin away from his projects, which I don’t believe he would be willing to leave behind.

Colin Doesn't Want To Be Involved In The Daisy Drama Anymore

He’s Putting Their Relationship Behind Him

Colin and Daisy’s boatmance was a major plot point in Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4. Daisy remains Chief Stew of the Parsifal III, and if Colin were to return, viewers would focus on their relationship. Colin and Daisy’s failed boatmance hurt not only their friendship but also the bond between Colin and Gary. While it would be interesting to see the team’s new dynamics, I’m convinced Colin’s return would be a mistake for the show.

Many viewers have hoped to see a reconciliation between Colin and Daisy. But considering how season 5 began, I don’t think it is a good idea for Colin to return. The awkward tension between Daisy and Gary made season 5 uncomfortable, even after they made amends and tried to put their issues behind them. The tense undercurrent disrupted the entire crew’s chemistry. Adding Colin back into the mix would only prolong the discomfort.

Colin’s choice not to return proves his need to move forward after his issues with Daisy and Gary.

Colin’s absence is still felt by the Parsifal III’s crew. Captain Glenn and Colin reunited at the Annapolis Boat Show in October, proving their relationship remains strong. Glenn confessed to Bravo that while he likes Davide, he would prefer working with Colin “all day long.” Nonetheless, Colin’s choice not to return proves his need to move forward after his issues with Daisy and Gary. Season 4 was difficult for Colin, and he had to prioritize his well-being. I’m convinced returning would be detrimental to Colin’s mentality, and that isn’t worth it.

Colin Has Moved On From His Days On Reality TV

His Return Would Be Unnatural

Since leaving Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Colin has flourished as he follows his passions. Once he was no longer filming, Colin had more time to sail for fun rather than being confined to charter yachts for the season. His YouTube channel’s success proves that Colin is thriving, and the freedom it allows him would be impossible to give up. Colin had a great run on Below Deck Sailing Yacht, but I’m positive he deserves to grow and take his career in a different direction.

Unlike many reality stars, Colin kept a low profile outside the show. Although he dutifully appeared at promotional events, he never tried to profit off his position in a way that felt unnatural. Colin was never after fame. I believe he is happier away from reality TV and made the right choice by leaving Below Deck Sailing Yacht when the experience was no longer fun. Colin’s season 4 drama threatened to derail his professionalism, and leaving allowed him to refocus his energy on boating while leaving the drama behind.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht star colin macrae in montage in two peach shirts with blue background-1

Colin Macrae Is The Reason Below Deck Sailing Yacht Was A Success (The Show Isn't The Same Without Him)

Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 has been difficult for viewers, who have struggled with a lot of the season, including Colin Macrae's absence.

In addition to his catastrophic boatmance with Daisy, I’m convinced Colin has other reasons for not returning to Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Serious misconduct accusations were leveled against Gary after season 4 aired, tainting his image and jeopardizing the future of the show. Although BDSY ultimately returned after more than a year, season 5 faces an uphill battle as viewers question the producers’ decision to keep Gary on the show. Colin’s choice to distance himself from Gary and the show seems appropriate, considering recent events.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 was off to a slow start, but that wasn’t Colin’s fault. The accusations against Gary put the crew and production in an impossible position. The show’s prolonged absence didn’t help, and many viewers lost interest. I think the show’s route to success lies not in Colin’s return but in the complete revamp of the cast. A new crew without any stale drama would allow the show to return to the enjoyable atmosphere of its early seasons.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo.

Sources: Sailing Parlay Revival/YouTube, Colin Macrae/Instagram, Bravo