Below Deck Season 12, Episode 13 Recap: Talk Derby to Me.
The St. David is back in action, but the crew? Not so much. Below Deck Season 12, Episode 13, “Talk Derby to Me,” proves once again that even when the yacht is fixed, the crew drama is way beyond repair. Between Kyle’s ongoing spiral, Solène clashing with literally everyone, Jess breaking down, and Rainbeau running on fumes, this episode had me yelling at the screen like I was right there in the galley.
🌊 Kyle’s Apology Tour (Again)
Kyle is still reeling after his blow-up with Fraser last week. To his credit, he apologizes (again), and Fraser accepts it—though in confessional, he makes it crystal clear he won’t be putting his neck on the line for Kyle anymore. And honestly? Can you blame him?
The problem is, Kyle just can’t get out of his own way. After crying to Fraser, after calling his mom with a moral hangover… he’s right back sneaking off with Solène in guest cabins and smoking breaks. These two bring out the worst in each other. It’s toxic, it’s messy, and it’s giving “this won’t end well.”
👀 Solène vs. Rainbeau: Round 37
The tension between Solène and Rainbeau is beyond repair at this point. Rainbeau catches Solène taking a breakfast break two hours early and immediately rats her out to Fraser. Solène laughs it off, but her lack of effort is infuriating for the rest of the team. Fraser warns her that on any other boat she’d be fired on day one.
Rainbeau’s patience is gone. Later, she practically talks herself down from using fists after Solène brushes her off. Let’s just say, production didn’t even need dramatic music to make it clear—Rainbeau is done.
💔 Jess Hits Her Breaking Point
While all this petty stew drama is happening, Jess is quietly falling apart. The upcoming charter includes Emily, a guest who just finished chemotherapy and is preparing for a mastectomy. For Jess, who lost both grandparents to cancer, this hits way too close to home.
She breaks down during docking and fumbles her anchor duties, forcing Captain Kerry to step in. To his credit, Kerry doesn’t come down hard. Instead, he hugs Jess and sends her on a break, telling her to put her mental health first. Honestly, this was one of the most human moments of the season—reminding us that behind the chaos, these are real people with real struggles.
🐎 Derby Dinner and Crew Meltdowns
The big event this episode? A Kentucky Derby–themed dinner. While the guests enjoy Anthony’s heartfelt food, the crew drama boils over:
• Hugo and Rainbeau explode in the pantry, trading insults in one of the most random but heated arguments yet.
• Solène injures herself, and Rainbeau casually calls it karma (yikes).
• Kyle and Solène keep sneaking around, while Hugo plays horse for the guests because… Below Deck.
The real standout moment came from guest Emily, who lost her hat to the wind and quipped, “sayonara tits.” Her humor and resilience were powerful—reminding everyone, including Jess, that sometimes laughter is the best way to fight through pain.
⚓ Final Thoughts
This episode had it all: messy hookups, emotional breakdowns, simmering stew feuds, and even a little Derby flair. But the real question remains: how long can Captain Kerry keep this yacht afloat with a crew this fractured?
If I had to guess, the next blow-up isn’t far away.
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One Response
Prime video isn’t showing episode 13 ‘Talk Derby To Me’ yet.
Yesterday was UK bank holiday, which could have affected the viewing schedule.