Below Deck Down Under stars Harry Van Vliet and Brianna Duffield are quickly emerging as the season’s most talked-about boatmance.
During season two, viewers watched the 25-year-old deckhand develop a flirtation with stewardess Margot Sisson. Their connection ultimately evolved into a close friendship.
Now back for season three, Harry is taking a more measured approach to romance aboard the superyacht.
In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, the deckhand discussed his developing connection with Brianna, 23, who joined the crew as a new stewardess.
“I definitely think in season two I opened the gates very quickly. I let all my feelings flood out at once, and it didn’t really work for me,” he said.
“So this season, as everyone can see, I’m kind of taking it slow,” he added, referring to his relationship with Brianna.
Harry Van Vliet spoke exclusively with DailyMail.com on March 12 about season three of Below Deck Down Under
The 25-year-old deckhand has developed a promising boatmance with 23-year-old Brianna Duffield
He then joked about whether his slower strategy would succeed, saying, “Whether it pays off or not, we’ll see. It doesn’t really look like it’s paying off. I’m doing the wrong thing again!”
The Sydney native said he and the New Jersey-born yachtie are still “kind of working ourselves out.”
Even so, Harry hinted that their relationship is charged with chemistry and that “definitely something” is taking shape.
“Brie and I match each other’s energy so well, so it’s definitely something that is brewing, and I think the sparks are flying,” he said.
Without revealing what happens later in the season, he added, “It’s definitely going to, hopefully, lead to something. But yeah, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
Although he could not confirm whether they became an exclusive couple after filming, Harry repeated that the pair connect naturally and that “sparks are definitely flying.”
Their attraction is hardly surprising. The cast spent filming in the Seychelles, an Indian Ocean archipelago off the coast of East Africa, where crew members live and work in extremely close quarters.
“Being on a boat in such small quarters, living and working with people, you build very strong, quick connections with them,” Harry explained.
After appearing on season two of Below Deck Down Under, Harry said he is taking a slower approach to relationships this season
Harry hinted that his relationship with Brianna could develop further: “It’s definitely going to, hopefully, lead to something. But yeah, we’ll have to wait and see what happens”
“Brie and I match each other’s energy so well,” Harry said, adding that their connection is continuing to grow
“That’s why boatmances happen as easily as they do. You’re basically on top of one another just to get the job done,” he said.
He added that the demanding environment can be ideal for people whose personalities and mindsets suit life at sea.
Harry is joined this season by Captain Jason Chambers, Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph, Anthony Bird, Lara Rigby, Wihan Du Toit, Johnny Arvanitis, Adair Werley and Marina Marcondes de Barros.
Speaking about reuniting with Captain Jason Chambers, 52, Harry said, “It’s fantastic. Jason’s a great bloke to work for.”
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“Second time around, we’re just getting closer and closer. He’s basically a dad to me. We get on so well. I know what he wants, I know how to give him what he wants, so we just get in and get the job done,” he continued.
Jason has also become a fan favorite and a Below Deck heartthrob, attracting attention from reality stars such as Real Housewives of Beverly Hills personality Sutton Stracke.
The father of one is currently single, and Harry believes his focus remains on his 10-year-old daughter, Saskia, whom he shares with ex-wife Fuchsia Quinn.
“I honestly think Jason is just focusing on his family. He’s got a young daughter, and he’s prioritizing that. He’s probably just waiting for the right person,” Harry said. “He’s definitely a catch!”
Harry described Captain Jason Chambers as a father figure, saying, “Second time around, we’re just getting closer and closer. He’s basically a dad to me”
Harry also told DailyMail.com that he looks up to Jason. Between filming seasons two and three, he worked toward earning his Yachtmaster and Captain’s license as he aims to climb the ranks and eventually command his own yacht.
“I want to be a captain one day. I love being on the water,” he said.
“The rocking of the boat puts me to sleep at night, so I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon.”
He added that he would only consider leaving yachting if he met someone special and decided he wanted a family, which would require him to live on land.
The Bondi Beach native began sailing at age six and has spent the past six years working in the yachting industry.
Still, life aboard a yacht comes with sacrifices. Harry acknowledged that being away from family means missing milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.
Viewers have already witnessed plenty of chaos since season three premiered on February 3, from overturned jet skis to Harry’s painful thumb injury.
Harry was taken to a local hospital for X-rays after nearly losing his thumb in a work-related accident
Harry said more unpredictable moments involving the cast are still ahead (pictured are Adair Werley, Brianna Duffield, Lara Rigby and Marina Marcondes de Barros)
Harry was forced to visit a local hospital for X-rays after his thumb became caught in jet ski equipment, leaving the injury covered in blood and raising fears that he could lose the finger.
“It was awful. I wasn’t happy that day,” he recalled. “I instantly thought I was going to have to leave the boat. A deckhand on a superyacht who can’t get his finger wet isn’t much use, is he?”
He said he was “so grateful” that the captain allowed him to remain on board and take on tasks such as making beds and cleaning bathrooms while doctors recommended 10 days of recovery.
Months later, Harry said his thumb is “back to normal” and that he has finally grown another fingernail.
Despite the injury and the drama that has unfolded, Harry said he would “absolutely” return for another season of Below Deck Down Under.
“Absolutely, definitely. I love working with Jason. I love seeing the world and meeting new people, guests and crew—all of it,” he said.
For now, Harry plans to continue sailing around the world. His long-term goal is to buy a boat of his own, live aboard it and keep exploring.
More drama is ahead as new episodes of Below Deck Down Under air Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
