Bugsy Drake Opens Up About Boatmances and Flirting with Alex Radcliffe

The Daily Dish Below Deck Mediterranean

Bugsy Drake Opens Up About Boatmances and Flirting with Alex Radcliffe

The Below Deck Mediterranean cast member has some strong opinions about yachtie relationships. 

By Hannah Chambers

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When it comes to the world of yachting, there are few topics as hotly debated as boatmances. Malia White recently noted that she’s not looking to get involved in one anytime soon, and now another Below Deck Mediterranean cast member is weighing in, as well. Christine “Bugsy” Drake shared her strong opinion on on-board romances on the August 1 episode of The Daily Dish podcast, which you can listen to below. 

Speaking about the relationship between Jessica More and Robert Westergaard, Bugsy said: “I mean, I’ve always definitely been against boatmances, just from the past experience I’ve had, but you know, if people want to do it, they’re completely entitled to. I thought it was quite overboard in such a short amount of time, it was very intense, so soon on in the game. I was very interested to see how it was all going to unravel.” 

In the past, Bugsy has made it clear that she can be hesitant when it comes to dating, due to a fear of rejection. During the interview, she explained where those feelings come from.

“I think my idea on relationships, separate from boatmances, I think that’s where my fear of rejection comes in,” she said. “I had my heart broken when I was 14, and I really didn’t like that feeling, and I feel like it has stuck with me. I’m always very weary going into relationships. I want to make sure it’s the real deal before I kind of open myself up to anything.” 

Even so, a hesitation to jump into a full-fledged boatmance doesn’t necessarily mean Bugsy can’t have a little fun flirting, which she’s definitely done her fair share of with Alex Radcliffe this season. 

“I’m like a born natural flirt. And a cougar, I might add, because Alex is quite a lot younger than me,” she said. “I like to have a lot of fun, and this season I came in as a second stew. A lot less responsibility, and I thought, you know what? I’ll have a bit of fun with it. Alex is a cute guy, he’s easy to get along with, and it adds a bit of fun to the job.” 

Although she noted she was “so embarrassed” to rewatch her hot tub moment with Alex, Bugsy added that she “felt so comfortable around him, which made it a lot more fun.” So where do the two stand today?

“We speak often,” she said. “Definitely every week, we touch base. We have a really banterous, if that’s even a word, we like to banter with each other a lot. I think we’ve got a really solid, solid friendship.” 

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