Gary King Bio 2026: Age, Career, Height, Girlfriend & Net Worth

Gary King is a seasoned South African yachtie and international television personality who rose to worldwide fame as the charismatic First Mate on Bravo’s hit reality series Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Leading deck operations aboard the luxury sailing yacht Parsifal III under Captain Glenn Shephard, King earned a reputation for his exceptional seamanship alongside high-energy onboard drama. His leadership on deck, combined with his magnetic and often turbulent romantic entanglements, turned him into one of the most recognizable figures across the entire Below Deck franchise.

Quick Facts

Maritime reality television fans frequently follow other top franchise stars and colleagues, including Chief Engineer Colin MacRae, Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher, Captain Glenn Shephard, Chief Stew Fraser Olender, Captain Lee Rosbach, and Chief Stew Aesha Scott.

Early Life & Education

Gary King was born on July 11, 1989, in South Africa. Raised along the country’s scenic coastal regions, he developed an affinity for the open ocean and maritime life at a young age. Growing up in a culture deeply connected to outdoor exploration, water sports, and athletics, King spent much of his childhood swimming, surfing, and learning the fundamentals of boating along the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines.

After completing his secondary education in South Africa, King decided against a traditional corporate desk career. Driven by wanderlust and a desire for global adventure, he pursued professional maritime certifications. He enrolled in specialized training courses to secure his Yachtmaster Ocean, Master of Yachts 200 Tonnes certification, alongside standard Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) accreditations. His rigorous training covered vessel navigation, safety protocols, ocean meteorology, and emergency management, laying the groundwork for a successful maritime career.

Career Journey: From Deckhand to Bravo Mainstay

Early Maritime Career

King entered the yachting industry in his late teens, working his way up through the ranks on both motor yachts and complex sailing vessels. His early assignments took him across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, and trans-Atlantic crossings. Over twelve years before joining reality television, he logged tens of thousands of nautical miles, serving as deckhand, lead deckhand, and eventually earning the rank of First Mate and occasional relief captain.

His deep understanding of rigging, winch management, sail trimming, and mechanical troubleshooting made him an asset on high-performance sailing vessels, which require significantly more hands-on deck work than standard motorized superyachts.

Breakthrough on Below Deck Sailing Yacht (Season 2)

In 2021, Bravo introduced Gary King as the First Mate aboard the 180-foot luxury sailing yacht Parsifal III for Season 2 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht, filmed in Croatia under Captain Glenn Shephard. King quickly became the centerpiece of the season due to his top-tier deck management skills and his complicated romantic relationships with crewmates Sydney Zaruba and Alli Dore.

Despite the off-watch drama, Captain Glenn repeatedly praised King for his deck leadership, proactive safety mindset, and exceptional ability to handle sailing emergencies under adverse weather conditions.

Building the “Dream Team” (Seasons 3 and 4)

By Season 3 (filmed in Menorca, Spain) and Season 4 (filmed in Sardinia, Italy), King formed what viewers and critics called the franchise’s “Dream Team” alongside Chief Engineer Colin MacRae and Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher. The trio’s genuine friendship and professional synergy anchored the show’s massive ratings success.

During Season 4, dynamic relationship tensions peaked when a love triangle emerged involving King, Kelliher, and MacRae, creating some of the most-watched episodes in Bravo history. Throughout these high-stakes charter seasons, King’s leadership on deck remained firm, guiding junior deckhands through intense sailing maneuvers, mechanical setbacks, and demanding charter guests.

Recent Activity and Professional Direction in 2026

Heading through 2026, Gary King has expanded his maritime focus toward independent vessel management, high-end private charters, and international yacht delivery operations across Europe and the Caribbean. While stepping back to assess long-term television appearances, he remains actively involved in professional sailing, boat restoration projects, and maritime consultation.

Career Stats & Television Appearances

Personal Life

Outside of television production, Gary King lives an active lifestyle split between South Africa and coastal European yachting hubs like Palma de Mallorca, Spain. He is an avid surfer, wakeboarder, fitness enthusiast, and world traveler who enjoys outdoor adventures with longtime friends in the yachting community.

Family Background

King maintains a close relationship with his family in South Africa. While he keeps his parents’ day-to-day lives private, he frequently credits his upbringing and family support for giving him the independence needed to pursue an international maritime career at a young age.

Dating History and Relationships

King’s romantic life has been a central topic for reality television fans since his debut. Over the course of his seasons on Below Deck Sailing Yacht, his notable relationships included:

• Sydney Zaruba: A brief romantic connection during Season 2 that caused ongoing tension on deck.
• Alli Dore: A passionate romance during Season 2 that ended shortly after charter season concluded.
• Ashley Marti: A casual dynamic during Season 3 aboard Parsifal III.
• Mads Herrera: A lighthearted, non-exclusive romance throughout Season 4.
• Daisy Kelliher: A long-standing flirtatious friendship that turned into an on-screen romantic tension during Season 4.

As of 2026, Gary King is single, focusing his attention on professional maritime contracts and personal travels.

Awards & Achievements

• Master of Yachts 200T: Successfully attained commercial certification authorizing command and chief mate responsibilities on superyachts worldwide.
• Over 15 Years of Maritime Experience: Logged more than 50,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Caribbean.
• Bravo Fan Favorite Leader: Recognized across multiple seasons for running one of the most efficient deck teams in the Below Deck franchise.
• BravoCon Featured Star: Keynote panelist at major network fan conventions in New York and Las Vegas.

Physical Statistics

Notable Quotes

“Sailing isn’t just a job for me; it’s a complete way of life. When the wind hits the sails and you’re out at sea, nothing else matters.”

“I work hard and I play hard. On deck, safety and teamwork always come first, no matter what drama is happening off-watch.”

“Captain Glenn is one of the best captains I’ve ever worked with. The trust we have on that boat makes everything run smoothly.”

Controversies & Public Scrutiny

King’s tenure in the public eye has not been without controversy. His flirty demeanor on Below Deck Sailing Yacht occasionally drew criticism from viewers who felt his off-duty relationships distracted from crew harmony.

In mid-2023, King faced public allegations regarding inappropriate workplace behavior stemming from behind-the-scenes interactions with a production crew member during Season 4 filming. Network investigations followed, and King publicly denied wrongdoing, stating that his actions had been mischaracterized. The situation led to intense online debate among reality TV audiences and media commentators, prompting King to adopt a more measured public profile.

Favorite Things

• Favorite Sailing Destination: The Balearic Islands (Mallorca and Ibiza, Spain)
• Favorite Water Sport: Surfing and wakeboarding
• Favorite Drink: Tequila on the rocks with lime
• Favorite Music Genre: Deep house, classic rock, and indie alternative
• Favorite Food: Traditional South African Braai (barbecue) and fresh seafood
• Favorite Hobby: Off-road motorcycle riding and coastal trekking

Salary & Net Worth in 2026

As of 2026, Gary King’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $1.5 million USD. His earnings originate from multiple lucrative streams:

• Maritime Salaries: An experienced First Mate on a sailing superyacht of Parsifal III‘s caliber earns between $6,500 and $9,000 per month, plus substantial charter tips that often exceed $2,500 to $4,000 per charter week.
• Reality TV Compensation: Long-running department heads on Bravo series earn an estimated $15,000 to $25,000 per episode for full-season runs.
• Appearance Fees & Partnerships: Public appearances at boat shows, BravoCon, sponsored brand promotions, and personalized video platforms contribute significantly to his annual income.

Interesting Facts

• King spent months living aboard boats year-round without maintaining a permanent land residence during his early twenties.
• He is skilled in traditional rope splicing, sail repair, and mechanical engine maintenance.
• His trademark long hair was originally grown during extended ocean delivery trips where haircuts were impossible to get.
• He maintains a close personal friendship with Captain Glenn Shephard outside of filming schedules.
• King has logged trans-Atlantic crossings navigating solely by celestial coordinates and standard navigation instruments.

Did You Know?

• Gary King worked on large motor yachts before choosing to specialize primarily in high-performance sailing yachts because he found sailing more physically challenging.
• He was an active rugby player and track athlete during his high school years in South Africa before pursuing his Yachtmaster license.
• Despite his party-loving persona on TV, his colleagues frequently describe him as one of the earliest risers on deck every morning.

Social Media Profiles

• Instagram: @king_gary_king
• Bravo Profile: BravoTV Official Cast Page
• Cameo: Gary King on Cameo

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Gary King?

Gary King was born on July 11, 1989, making him 37 years 1 month old years old.

What is Gary King’s official position on Below Deck Sailing Yacht?

King served as the First Mate aboard the luxury sailing yacht Parsifal III, leading the deck department and working directly under Captain Glenn Shephard.

Is Gary King currently married or dating anyone?

No, Gary King is not married. He is currently single and keeps his recent private dating life out of the public spotlight.

How tall is Gary King?

Gary King stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.

What is Gary King’s estimated net worth in 2026?

His estimated net worth in 2026 is around $1.5 million USD, accumulated through commercial yachting wages, charter guest gratuities, television salaries, and appearance fees.

Where is Gary King from?

Gary King was born and raised in South Africa, where he initially began his maritime and sailing training.

Summary

Gary King has made a lasting mark on maritime reality television through his leadership on Parsifal III, unmatched sailing expertise, and unforgettable reality TV storylines. Whether navigating rough Mediterranean seas or managing high-stakes charter crews, he remains one of Bravo’s most memorable figures. If you enjoyed this profile, be sure to share it with fellow yachting and Below Deck enthusiasts!

Key Sources: Official Bravo TV profiles, verified maritime licensing records, television network press releases, and verified broadcast interviews.