Is Gary King the Next Captain of the Below Deck Franchise? Insights on His Sobriety and Image Transformation

Below Deck Sailing Yacht First Officer Gary King is on a mission to mend his tarnished reputation. Since joining Captain Glenn Shephard’s crew aboard the Parsifal III in season 2, Gary has become a divisive figure among fans. Not only is he known for his vibrant personality and strong work ethic, but his turbulent personal life has also drawn significant scrutiny, especially following his controversial behavior in season 4. Although his past actions raised eyebrows, the subsequent allegations of workplace misconduct overshadowed his prior missteps.

The impact of season 4 left many viewers believing that Gary should not return to Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Starting with season 5, he faces the formidable challenge of redeeming himself in the eyes of both fans and fellow crew members. Remarkably, Gary appears to be turning a new leaf. By prioritizing his responsibilities and exhibiting a more respectful demeanor, he shows signs of personal growth. This transformation hints at the potential for one of the most compelling redemption narratives in the show’s history.

Gary’s Controversial Reputation

Notorious for His Relationships and Revelries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9EWdZ3a47E

Sydney & Alli Fight Over Gary | Season 2 | Below Deck Sailing Yacht (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9EWdZ3a47E)

Gary has long been characterized as a womanizer, frequently engaging in flirtations throughout his time on Below Deck Sailing Yacht (via Hayu). His pursuit of relationships often led to awkward boatmances, culminating in a particularly scandalous incident where he aggressively pursued Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher in the presence of her boyfriend, First Engineer Colin Macrae. Such behavior not only showed a lack of regard for his teammates but also severely impacted his personal brand.

Things took a darker turn after season 4 when allegations of sexual misconduct against Gary emerged, describing increasingly aggressive actions fueled by alcohol. Despite the turmoil, Gary returned to the show for season 5 without facing any punitive measures. He has publicly denied these allegations and labeled his accuser a liar.

Gary’s pattern of problematic behavior seems closely tied to his struggles with alcohol. While crew outings often serve as stress relief, his management of alcohol consumption has faced criticism. A pivotal moment occurred when he accidentally injured Chief Engineer Davide Morosi while intoxicated, resulting in the loss of a day off for the entire crew. Following this incident, Gary publicly acknowledged that his drinking was problematic and committed to abstaining from alcohol during crew outings. This decision reflects a conscious effort to amend past mistakes and embrace a more responsible lifestyle.

Is Gary Committed to Sobriety?

Hints at His Drinking Habits

Gary’s approach to sobriety appears to be evolving. He demonstrated remarkable restraint by opting not to drink during a crew night out, even leaving early as his colleagues celebrated. However, he later shared a glass of wine with Daisy, indicating that while he is interested in moderation, he hasn’t completely cut alcohol from his life. Instead of abstaining entirely, Gary seems focused on avoiding the excessive partying that previously led to his reckless behavior.

Recently, Gary posted a video on social media where he casually mentioned having an Aperol Spritz with crew members, further confirming that he is navigating a more moderate relationship with alcohol. While this represents a significant shift from his earlier habits, it suggests he is still on a journey toward balance rather than complete abstinence.

A New Chapter in Gary’s Life

Achieving Professional Milestones

Since filming for season 5, Gary has been actively honing his sailing skills. He recently shared his journey from Cape Town, South Africa, to Mallorca, Spain, where he was part of a delivery crew for a sailing adventure. This more demanding role marks a significant departure from the guest-centric environment he typically navigates and showcases his deep passion for sailing.

Throughout this expedition, Gary leveraged social media to document his experiences, revealing a mix of pride and nostalgia as the 25-day voyage drew to a close. This experience not only elevated his sailing capabilities but also seemed to instill in him a desire for greater adventure and responsibility, potentially hinting at future ambitions beyond his current role.

Transforming His Public Image

Rebranding Post-Scandal

Montage of Gary King — Custom Image by Cesar Garcia

Gary’s transformation is also mirrored in his social media presence. His daily vlogs and posts reflect a newfound commitment to his career reminiscent of rival Colin Macrae’s popular sailing YouTube channel. Additionally, a heartwarming Christmas Instagram story featuring his mother showcased a gentler side of his personality, suggesting he is trying to distance himself from his previous party boy persona in favor of a more family-oriented image.

Further indication of his intent to reshape his image comes from his noticeable physical changes. Gary appears healthier and more balanced, particularly since he has reduced his previously reckless lifestyle. He recently debuted a shorter haircut, shedding the long locks that were associated with his past turbulent behaviors. In a comment on Instagram, Gary also mentioned quitting smoking as his next goal, demonstrating a commitment to improving himself holistically.

Could Gary Ascend to Captaincy?

Potential for Advancement

Gary King with Captain Glenn — Custom image by César García

Gary has recently expressed his aspirations to rise to Captain, and indications suggest this could become a reality sooner than expected. His response to a fan query about his relationship with Captain Glenn hinted at Glenn’s impending retirement, stating, “Glenn is pretty much retired now.” This potential vacancy could indeed provide an opportunity for Gary to step into a leadership position on the show.

With a solid foundation of sailing knowledge and a demonstrated commitment to growth, Gary has the potential to excel as a Captain. If he can maintain his positive trajectory, he may gain the respect needed to lead. However, the road ahead remains long; while Gary has made commendable efforts to quell the chaos surrounding him, he must continue to take responsibility for past actions and consistently demonstrate maturity before ascending to the highest ranks.

With each episode of Below Deck Sailing Yacht airing Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo, viewers remain eager to see if Gary can cement his redemption and achieve his dream of becoming Captain.

Sources: Hayu/YouTube, Gary King/Instagram, Gary King/Instagram, Gary King/Instagram

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