stew Marina Marcondes de Barros' bright personality wowed viewers and her peers alike, and her journey didn’t end when filming stopped. The 26-year-old Rio de Janeiro native formerly trained in ballet before making the sudden career shift into yachting. Marina had only three years of experience before ing Captain Jason Chambers’ crew on the Katina, but her natural ability to impress guests made her an essential member of the team.

In a season full of drama, Marina somehow managed to avoid becoming caught up in the chaos. She stayed on good with her entire department, including Chief Stew Lara Rigby, Stew Brianna Duffield, and Deck/Stew Adair Werley. Marina remained focused on her goal of earning enough money to provide for her family. Along the way, she found romance with Deckhand Nicolas Cattelan, who was a midseason addition after the firings of Wihan du Toit and Johnny Arvanitis. Although they were both cautious about their workplace romance, Marina and Nicolas knew their connection was too strong to deny.

Marina’s Below Deck Down Under Journey

She Worked Her Way Up To Second Stew

Although Marina escaped the drama on Below Deck Down Under season 3, she had to fight to prove herself as a stew, particularly to Lara. Marina started the charter season in a housekeeping role, where she was so successful that Lara insisted on keeping her there. Marina was patient, but she knew she needed more experience in guest service. It wasn’t until Captain Jason urged Lara to reconsider her stews’ roles that Marina was able to showcase her gift for guest interaction.

Marina accepted the honor with pride, and she finished the season on a high note.

Once Marina had the chance to live up to her full potential, she flourished in her role. Her work was so impressive that Lara awarded her the position of second stew. Marina accepted the honor with pride, and she finished the season on a high note. Her success carried over into the romantic department as well, and she and Nicolas left the yacht arm-in-arm at the end of the season.

Marina Continues To Work As A Second Stew

She’s Moving Up In Her Career

After having earned her stripes, Marina was eager to continue her yachting career. After the season ended, she told Bravo’s The Daily Dish that she had taken her career to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, working as second stew on a 60-meter yacht. Marina told the outlet, “I couldn’t feel happier than I am right now.”

While Marina is proud of her rank as a second stew, she knows the sky’s the limit in her career. She now has her sights set on becoming chief stew, which she believes isn’t far out of reach. Marina is confident more opportunities will arise soon, adding, “things look really nice for me right now.”

Marina Is Still Close With Adair

The Former Teammates Speak Daily

In addition to finding a romantic partner in Nicolas, Marina also found genuine friendship aboard the Katina. She gushed to Bravo about her close relationship with Adair, stating that the two talk every day. Marina added, “I see Adair more than I see my family, which is so weird, but I love her to death.”

After wrapping up her work commitments, Marina planned to spend time with Adair in Georgia, getting to know her hometown and her family. While some friendships never make it off the boat, it’s clear that this one is genuine. Marina’s yachting career has not only taken her around the world, it’s also brought her connections that will last a lifetime.

Are Marina & Nicolas Still Together?

They Ended The Season Optimistic About Their Future

Marina and Nicolas left the Katina together with plans to continue building their relationship in South Africa. Marina confirmed to Bravo that she did go on a “sabbatical” to South Africa with Nicolas after the season ended. Marina has since left loving comments full of heart emojis on Nicolas’ Instagram, suggesting that the two remain close. However, neither has confirmed the current status of their relationship.

Marina found companionship in Below Deck Down Under season 3, but what she found in herself was even greater. She accomplished a huge career goal, one that put her even closer to her dream of providing for her family. Marina’s tremendous growth suggests she’ll have a long career in yachting, perhaps even bringing her back to Below Deck in the future.

Sources: Bravo, Marina Marcondes/Instagram, Nicolas Cattelan/Instagram