Few shows serve up sun-soaked escapism and real-life romantic drama quite like Below Deck Down Under. Season 3 brings us one of the most endearing “boatmances” in recent memory — the budding relationship between Harry van Vliet and Brianna Duffield. From miscommunications to heartfelt moments, their romance isn’t just for show — it reflects the true highs and lows of early love. Now, Harry is teasing what’s next, and fans are all ears.
Who Is Harry Van Vliet? The Cheeky Deckhand With a Soft Side
A Fan Favorite Since Season 2
Harry van Vliet, affectionately known to fans as the easy-going Aussie with a sense of humor, first joined the cast in Season 2 of Below Deck Down Under. With his laid-back charm and strong work ethic, Harry quickly became a fan favorite. But underneath that cheeky exterior is a romantic who wears his heart on his sleeve — sometimes a little too soon.
Growth Through Heartbreak
Harry experienced heartbreak during his first season, and it’s shaped how he now approaches relationships. In his words: “I wanted to make sure that I don’t open the floodgates and let all my feelings out like I did in Season 2.” That past experience influences how he’s handling things this time around — with more caution, a bit more mystery, and a whole lot of personal growth.
Meet Brianna Duffield: The Newbie Making Waves
First Impressions
Brianna Duffield came into Season 3 as a fresh face on the yacht, but quickly proved herself to be more than just another stew. Her calm demeanor, sharp wit, and professionalism made her stand out — and clearly caught Harry’s attention.
A Natural Connection
Though they come from different backgrounds, the chemistry between Bri and Harry is hard to miss. They’re often seen giggling, teasing, and sharing quiet moments during off hours. It’s a slow burn — the kind of relationship that audiences love to root for.
Photo Credit: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo
The Boatmance Begins: Navigating Choppy Waters
Miscommunication on the High Seas
Like most relationships, especially those built under pressure-cooker environments like charter season, Harry and Bri’s romance hasn’t been without its bumps. Harry admitted that watching himself back on TV has made him wince a bit.
“I thought I was all good. I had everything under control with Bri. I thought we were both on the same page. But now watching it back, it looks like I’m not doing the right thing,” he shared with Us Weekly.
Juggling Romance and Responsibility
With demanding charters, long hours, and constant scrutiny from Captain Jason Chambers, Harry struggled to find the balance between work and love.
“We are on a busy charter so there’s a lot [going on]. Obviously I’ve got a sore thumb. I’m trying to stay employed because if I slack off, [Captain] Jason is probably going to fire me. So there’s a lot of things going on. But that’s probably one of the things I should have prioritized a bit more,” Harry admitted.
Learning From the Past
Harry has clearly taken lessons from his earlier heartbreak, opting to be more guarded this time around. Still, he wonders if he’s gone too far in the other direction:
“It looks like I’m doing too much. Last time I let it all out too quickly. Now, I’m being too slow.”
His internal conflict is relatable and shows a maturity in navigating real-life emotional challenges — even on reality TV.
Are Harry and Bri Still Together?
Playing Coy About the Outcome
When it comes to the ultimate question — are they still together? — Harry is keeping his lips sealed. But that hasn’t stopped him from dropping a few major hints.
“Whenever I meet someone and have a boatmance with them, I’m always looking for The One,” he said. “Definitely Bri and I were matching each other’s energy, so we click and we get along. You have to wait and see but we are definitely on the right track — as long as I pick up my game.”
Different Worlds, Shared Energy
Harry also touched on one of the real-world challenges that affects many relationships that begin on yachts — distance. “Especially when two people meet from different sides of the world,” he noted. Despite this, their connection seems strong, and they appear to be laying the groundwork for something lasting.
What Makes This Boatmance Different?
Realism Over Reality-TV Tropes
Part of what makes Harry and Bri’s relationship so engaging is its authenticity. They don’t rush into declarations of love or dramatic fights. Instead, viewers watch as two people try to make sense of their feelings while juggling professional duties and living in extremely close quarters.
A Journey, Not a Destination
Their relationship isn’t perfect — but that’s the point. It’s a reflection of the awkward, uncertain, and hopeful beginnings that characterize most new romances. That relatability is what’s winning fans over.
What the Future Holds
Will They Go the Distance?
Though Harry hasn’t confirmed whether he and Bri are still dating, his comments suggest the possibility is very much alive. Their connection — emotional, playful, and rooted in genuine affection — has the potential to transcend the world of yachting.
Could Bri Be “The One”?
For Harry, the hope is always to find lasting love. While he acknowledges that timing and geography make things hard, his optimism is clear:
- “We click and we get along. You have to wait and see but we are definitely on the right track.”
- Only time — and the end of Season 3 — will tell if this boatmance becomes something more permanent.
Final Thoughts: Why We’re Rooting for Harry and Bri
Harry and Bri’s relationship captures the very heart of what makes Below Deck so binge-worthy: it’s messy, it’s hopeful, and it’s wonderfully real. Their journey reminds us that love doesn’t come with a manual — and that sometimes, the most meaningful connections come from being honest, vulnerable, and willing to grow.
So, are they still together? We’ll have to wait and see. But one thing’s for sure — fans everywhere are hoping that this boatmance makes it back to shore.
