Below Deck Season 12 Episode 12 recap: A rocky docking leads to rising tensions

Below Deck Season 12 continues to show that mayhem can still dominate below deck, even when a charter doesn't set sail. The opulent yacht St. David is stuck at the dock in Episode 12, “Dock It Like It’s Hot,” as the wing station controller malfunctions. The plated charcuterie becomes a test of patience rather than adventure as a result of this mechanical setback, which forces the crew to switch from providing maritime service to providing five-star hospitality on land.

The main fêted couple is celebrating their tenth anniversary on the stranded boat, and Chef Anthony must meet the high standards of the cruise audience while also accommodating a variety of dietary requirements. In the meantime, tensions rise among the crew; Kyle's apology tour fails, and exhaustion erodes nerves in the galley and mess, causing Anthony to open up visibly under strain.

Fraser tries to salvage the situation by arranging a sunset tender trip in spite of the docking catastrophe. However, beneath the surface of the service is a developing sense of resentment. Anthony's concerns with the crew's lack of interest intensify, while Kyle verges on another emotional collapse.

What went wrong in Below Deck Season 12 Episode 12?

The Below Deck crew had to rethink their charter midstream due to a stalled yacht. They switched to service-focused survival, balancing guest expectations, mechanical malfunctions, and inter-crew friction, since they lacked access to water toys or an anchored sailing charter. This is how the situation on board the docked St. David got out of hand.

From "Floating Restaurant" to mechanical failure

The episode begins with a major technical malfunction that grounds the entire charter because the yacht is unable to produce enough "wash" to leave the pier. The passengers are left on board without access to water toys or a proper departure when Captain Kerry discovers that the wing station controller is damaged and that a replacement would not be available until the following day.

When the yacht is unable to sail, it becomes a "restaurant on the water." Chef Anthony takes charge and expertly accommodates vegetarian and vegan requests, even serving Below Deck's Captain Kerry dinner. Tension is present during every shift as the deck crew struggles with laborious launch procedures outside.

Fraser demonstrates his ability to react quickly by planning a champagne sunset tender trip that uplifts guests' moods and showcases his leadership under pressure, particularly after water sports are eliminated.

Crew tensions, burnout, and emotional strain

Below Deck crew morale begins to deteriorate amid the docking catastrophe. A furious argument with the deck crew erupts when Chef Anthony, overwhelmed and anxious, loses his temper after being ignored when he asks for help with the trash. When others do nothing, Solène steps in as an unlikely hero, carrying bags to the dumpster.

Kyle's erratic behavior returns. The "apology tour" soon breaks down, and too much drinking leads to a heated dinner toast that becomes hostile, which makes Fraser leave in exasperation.

During the tip meeting, Anthony's long-simmering stress flares up once more. Reminding the team of the emotional toll their support, or lack thereof, can take, he storms off after feeling ungrateful for his arduous efforts and returns with a brief apology.

Because of the stalled boat, the tense guest expectations, and the emotional exhaustion at the helm, "Dock It Like It’s Hot" puts Below Deck into creative overdrive.

Although there are moments of togetherness highlighted by Fraser's brilliant improvisation and Solène's significant action, Anthony's tension and Kyle's disintegration suggest that the crew is still navigating intense turbulence while they are stranded.

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Watch the entire episode of Below Deck on Bravo TV.

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