Malia White and Jake Baker’s Relationship Status on Below Deck Mediterranean: Are They Still Together?

Malia White, a prominent figure from Below Deck Mediterranean, showcased her personal journey through seasons 2, 5, and 6, particularly regarding her relationship with engineer Jake Baker, which blossomed during season 6. Within the demanding context of yachting, their romance evolved, captivating fans who are drawn to the concept of “boatmance”— a romantic connection among crew members of the Below Deck franchise.

As viewers tuned in to witness their relationship evolve on-screen and beyond the yacht, there was growing curiosity about how their bond would endure after the cameras stopped rolling. Initially, Malia and Jake’s romance appeared promising, but like many relationships in the public eye, they faced their fair share of obstacles.

Navigating Love in High Pressure

In season 6, Malia took on the role of bosun, marking a significant achievement as the first woman to attain this position within the Below Deck franchise. Jake served as the ship’s engineer aboard the Lady Michelle. Their demanding roles required resilience and teamwork, attributes that ultimately brought them closer. The long hours and confined living conditions on the yacht fostered an environment conducive to building trust, setting the foundation for their romantic connection.

As the season progressed, their affection for each other became increasingly visible to their fellow crew members and fans alike. By August 2021, Jake publicly declared their relationship by sharing a photo of the two sharing a kiss on social media. Malia followed suit, posting an Instagram shot accompanied by the playful caption, “When you cheers at the beginning of the night knowing there is a lot more wine to come,”finally solidifying their status for viewers of Below Deck Mediterranean.

Seeking Growth Beyond the Deck

February 2023 marked a significant shift in Malia’s life, as she publicly announced her breakup with Jake Baker. Reflecting on this period, she expressed that transitioning from a serious relationship with Chef Tom Checketts to dating Jake left her with little time for introspection. On contemplating future relationships, she noted, “I’m not going to say I’ll never date a yachtie again, but I’m definitely going to choose wisely.”

In a candid interview with Bravo, Malia underscored the necessity of self-care following her relationships. She openly shared, “I think I realized that I went from such a really intense relationship with Tom, like straight into a relationship with Jake. And I never had time to kind of take a break.”This phase of self-discovery has allowed her to prioritize her independence and reassess her perspective on love.

Moving Forward: Malia’s New Horizons

Post-breakup, Malia has redirected her focus towards advancing her career and embracing new experiences. She joined the cast of Bravo’s Winter House in its third season, which debuted in October 2023. Additionally, she has stepped into the role of Chief Mate 3000 and is currently working within the yachting industry in the UK.

In contrast, Jake has opted for a quieter lifestyle, with little information circulating regarding his activities since their split. Their brief yet impactful relationship highlights the complexities of nurturing personal connections amidst the high-pressure world of reality television. Malia’s journey reflects a strong commitment to prioritizing her own well-being, and fans are keen to witness her growth as she likely appears in future seasons of Below Deck Mediterranean.

For those interested in following Malia and her journey, Below Deck Mediterranean is available for streaming on Peacock.

Sources: Showbiz CheatSheet, Bravo, Malia White/Instagram

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