Season 4 of Below Deck Mediterranean, which originally set sail in June 2019, features Captain Sandy Yawn and a dynamic crew navigating the glamorous waters of the French Riviera aboard the 154-foot mega-yacht Sirocco. This landmark season is defined by its unprecedented galley turnover, the professional evolution of Bosun João Franco, and the introduction of fan-favorite stews Aesha Scott and Anastasia Surmava.
The French Riviera: A High-Stakes Backdrop for Season 4
When the 2019 season of Below Deck Mediterranean (Season 4) premiered, it brought the franchise back to the Côte d'Azur, specifically cruising the opulent waters surrounding Antibes, Cannes, and Monaco. As of 2026, this season remains a benchmark for the series due to the sheer logistical complexity of the French Riviera. Unlike the relatively secluded bays of previous seasons in Croatia or Italy, the French Riviera demands a higher level of precision from the deck crew and a more sophisticated level of service from the interior team.
The French Riviera is known for its "see and be seen" culture. For the crew of the Sirocco, this meant managing high-profile charter guests who expected Michelin-star quality meals and seamless event planning. The docking procedures in ports like Port Hercule in Monaco are notoriously difficult due to the tight spacing and the presence of some of the world's most expensive maritime vessels. For Captain Sandy Yawn, the 2019 season was a test of her patience and mentorship, as she had to balance the technical demands of the region with a crew that faced immediate internal friction.
The Sirocco Returns: Technical Specifications and Layout
The yacht featured in the 2019 season, Sirocco, was not a stranger to the series, having previously appeared in Season 2. However, the 2019 return saw the vessel pushed to its limits. Built by the renowned Dutch shipyard Heesen, Sirocco is a masterclass in aluminum naval architecture.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 47 Meters (154 Feet) |
| Builder | Heesen Yachts |
| Cruising Speed | 22 Knots |
| Guest Capacity | 12 Guests |
| Crew Capacity | 9 Crew Members |
| Interior Design | Omega Architects |
| Notable Amenities | Gym, Jacuzzi, Stabilizers at Anchor, Cinema Room |
Operating a vessel of this size in the Mediterranean requires a specialized skill set. The stabilizers are particularly crucial in the 2019 season, as the crew encountered several instances of "mistral" winds—cold, strong northwesterly winds that can create choppy conditions even in the height of summer. From a technical standpoint, the Sirocco offers a tri-deck layout that provides ample space for guest privacy but creates a grueling "vertical" workload for the stews, who must constantly traverse three levels of stairs to provide service.
The Galley Crisis: Mila Kolomeitseva to Ben Robinson
The primary narrative arc of the 2019 season was undoubtedly the chaos in the galley. This season saw the most significant chef turnover in the history of the Mediterranean spin-off, beginning with the hiring of Mila Kolomeitseva.
The Rise and Fall of Mila Kolomeitseva
Mila entered the season as the first female lead chef in the show's history, but her tenure was marked by immediate controversy and technical failure. Viewers and crew were shocked by her use of pre-packaged "Old El Paso" taco shells, canned corn, and boxed cake mix—items generally considered unacceptable on a luxury yacht charging six figures per week. The "nacho scandal," where Mila prepared a plate of microwave-style nachos for high-end guests, became a viral moment in reality TV history. Beyond her culinary struggles, Mila faced social friction with the crew, leading to her eventual termination by Captain Sandy early in the season.
Anastasia Surmava’s Temporary Promotion
Following Mila’s departure, third stew Anastasia Surmava stepped into the galley. Initially, Anastasia was praised for her ability to rescue the charter season, showing surprising culinary range for someone not professionally trained as a yacht chef. However, as the season progressed and the guest demands intensified, the "wear and tear" of the galley began to show. The transition from stew to chef and back to stew became a core theme of her character arc, highlighting the immense pressure of the yachting industry.
The Return of Chef Ben Robinson
To stabilize the season, Captain Sandy brought back a franchise legend: Ben Robinson. His arrival late in the season provided the professional "fine dining" experience that the Sirocco required. Ben’s return was a pivotal moment for fans, as his high-energy personality and perfectionist streak clashed and complemented the existing crew dynamics, particularly with Chief Stew Hannah Ferrier.
Meet the Crew: The New Faces of 2019
The "7 new" elements often associated with this season refer to the fresh energy brought by the newcomers and the shifting roles of returning veterans.
- Aesha Scott (Second Stew): Aesha quickly became a breakout star. Her unfiltered humor and work ethic provided a contrast to the high-stress environment. Her relationship with deckhand Jack Stirrup became one of the season's primary romantic subplots.
- Travis Michalzik (Deckhand): An experienced yachtie from Australia, Travis was a powerhouse on deck but faced personal challenges regarding his relationship with alcohol and his verbal clashes with João.
- Jack Stirrup (Deckhand): Known more for his charm and "slacker" persona than his deck skills, Jack’s storyline was dominated by his whirlwind romance with Aesha Scott.
- June Foster (Third Stew): June joined the crew mid-season when Anastasia moved to the galley. Her time on the boat was defined by the infamous "June, June, Hannah" radio calls, reflecting her occasional disconnect from the interior team's communication.
- João Franco (Bosun): Returning from Season 3, João sought redemption. Moving from Lead Deckhand to Bosun, he had to manage his "Zim" alter-ego while leading a team that included his former rival, Colin Macy-O'Toole.
Interior Dynamics: Hannah Ferrier’s Leadership
In the 2019 season, Chief Stew Hannah Ferrier was in a period of transition. Having led the interior for several years, her relationship with Captain Sandy was under constant scrutiny. This season was particularly difficult for Hannah due to the galley instability. A chief stew’s success is often tied to the chef; if the food is late or poor, the interior team bears the brunt of the guests' dissatisfaction.
The rapport between Hannah, Aesha, and Anastasia (before her move to the galley) was initially strong, forming one of the most cohesive interior teams in the show’s history. However, the introduction of June Foster created a rift. Hannah’s leadership style—often described as direct and sometimes dismissive—led to communication breakdowns that Captain Sandy had to mediate. From a professional standpoint, this season highlighted the "burnout" factor in yachting, as Hannah began to question her long-term future in the industry.
Deck Team Management and Friction
On the exterior, Bosun João Franco faced the challenge of managing a diverse group of personalities. His growth from a "villain" in Season 3 to a more measured leader in Season 4 was a major focus. However, the deck team was not without conflict.
- The João and Travis Conflict: Travis Michalzik was a highly capable deckhand, but his lack of respect for João's authority led to multiple confrontations. Their friction often centered on differing philosophies regarding yachting etiquette and hierarchy.
- Colin Macy-O'Toole’s Loyalty: Colin remained the "moral compass" of the boat. As a returning deckhand, he provided a bridge between the new crew members and the veterans, though he often felt like an outsider to the intense drama.
- The Learning Curve for Jack: Managing Jack Stirrup required João to use a "carrot and stick" approach. Jack’s tendency to disappear for breaks or prioritize Aesha over deck duties was a constant source of frustration for the leadership.
Professional Standards and Safety on the Sirocco
Beyond the drama, the 2019 season showcased the rigorous safety standards required in the Mediterranean. Captain Sandy Yawn is known for her hands-on approach to teaching. Throughout the season, viewers saw the importance of:
- Anchor Watches: The Mediterranean is prone to sudden weather shifts. The deck crew had to maintain 24-hour watches to ensure the Sirocco didn't drag its anchor during overnight stays in bays like Villefranche-sur-Mer.
- Tender Operations: Transporting guests from the yacht to the shore in a tender requires high skill, especially in busy ports. Travis and João often demonstrated the technical precision needed to navigate around other multi-million dollar vessels.
- Provisioning Challenges: In the French Riviera, provisioning is an art form. The interior team had to source specific luxury items—from French truffles to specific vintages of Rosé—often with only a few hours' notice.
Comparing Season 4 to the Broader Franchise
Looking back at this season from 2026, it is often ranked as one of the "Top 3" seasons of the entire Below Deck Mediterranean series. This is due to the perfect balance of "yachting porn" (the beauty of the boat and location) and genuine human drama. Unlike later seasons which some critics argue became over-produced, the 2019 season felt grounded in the actual struggles of the maritime industry.
The "Mila situation" remains a cautionary tale used in yachting recruitment circles about the importance of thorough CV verification. Meanwhile, the career trajectories of Aesha Scott (who went on to lead her own seasons as Chief Stew in the Down Under spin-off) and Anastasia Surmava (who launched her own successful businesses) began here.
FAQ: Key Questions About the 2019 Season
Who was the chef on Below Deck Mediterranean Season 4?
The season began with Mila Kolomeitseva. After her dismissal, third stew Anastasia Surmava took over the role temporarily. Finally, franchise veteran Ben Robinson joined the crew to finish the charter season.
What happened between Hannah and João in 2019?
Following their intense rivalry in Season 3, the two attempted to maintain a professional "truce." While they were not friends, they managed to co-exist for the sake of the boat, though small flare-ups occurred regarding the schedule and guest service.
Where was the 2019 season filmed?
The season was filmed in the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), featuring locations such as Antibes, Cannes, Nice, and the waters near Monaco.
Is Jack and Aesha still together?
No. While their romance was a highlight of the 2019 season, they broke up shortly after filming ended. Aesha Scott later confirmed that the transition back to "real life" and the long distance between the UK and New Zealand made the relationship unsustainable.
Why was June Foster "let go" from the Sirocco?
June was not fired for performance issues. She was brought on as a third stew when Anastasia moved to the kitchen. When Ben Robinson was hired as the new chef, Anastasia returned to her role in the interior, making June the fourth stew on a boat that only had legal cabin space and a budget for three.
Final Recommendations for Viewers
If you are revisiting Below Deck Mediterranean Season 4 in 2026, pay close attention to the evolution of the leadership styles. Captain Sandy’s mentorship of Anastasia and João provides a masterclass in how to manage "stretch assignments" in a high-pressure environment. For those looking for the quintessential "yachtie" experience, episodes 10 through 13—featuring the transition to Ben Robinson and some of the most beautiful anchorages in the French Riviera—are essential viewing. To watch, the season is currently available on major streaming platforms including Peacock and Bravo TV’s digital archives.
