You probably know him as the guy who won’t tolerate a "slack" deckhand or someone who’s about to "eat someone's ass for dinner"—metaphorically, of course. Captain Lee Rosbach. The man is a legend. But lately, everyone seems obsessed with one thing: the age of Captain Lee. It's not just a number. It’s become this weirdly controversial topic that touches on health, TV contracts, and how we view aging in the spotlight.
Honestly, he’s 76. Born November 15, 1949.
By the time you're reading this in 2026, he’s hitting that 77 mark later in the year. It’s wild to think he didn’t even step foot on a boat professionally until he was 35. Most people in the yachting industry are burnt out or retired by their 50s, but Lee was just getting his sea legs when most guys are worried about their 401ks. He spent decades in the restaurant business before the ocean called.
Why People Are Obsessed with the Age of Captain Lee
Why does it matter? Well, for ten seasons of Below Deck, Lee was the anchor. Pun intended. But then things got shaky. During Season 10, we saw him struggle. It was hard to watch. He had nerve issues. He couldn't feel his left leg. He had to leave the boat mid-season, and Captain Sandy had to step in. That’s when the rumors started flying. Was he too old? Was he being forced out?
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The truth is a mix of both. Bravo eventually decided not to bring him back for Season 11, replaced by Captain Kerry Titheradge. Lee didn't sugarcoat it. He was "salty" about it. He felt he had more to give. But let’s be real: insurance on a 150-foot superyacht is a nightmare. When the guy in charge of everyone's safety is using a cane and struggling with mobility, the underwriters start sweating. It’s basically a math problem at that point, not a personality contest.
Life After the Wheelhouse
If you think he just retired to a rocking chair in Florida, you haven't been paying attention. The age of Captain Lee hasn't slowed down his hustle. He jumped right into a true-crime show called Deadly Waters on Oxygen. It’s a total pivot, but it works. He’s analyzing crimes that happen at sea. It turns out his decades of maritime experience make him a great investigator, even if he’s not hauling anchors anymore.
He also launched a podcast, Salty with Captain Lee. It’s great. He talks about everything from yachting drama to his personal life. He’s also teased a "big surprise" project in late 2025 and early 2026. People are speculating about a return to the Bravo-verse, maybe in a "Couch Talk" style show with Kate Chastain. Those two together are pure gold.
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Health and Fitness: The 76-Year-Old "Stud"
The guy still hits the gym almost every day. He’s been very open about his recovery from back surgery and those nerve issues. He still has a slight limp, sure, but he’s walking without crutches. He’s 6 feet tall and still carries that "Stud of the Sea" swagger.
- He eats a strict diet (mostly).
- He focuses on mobility exercises.
- He stays mentally sharp by staying busy.
It's actually pretty inspiring. Most people his age are slowing down, but he’s basically rebranded himself. He proved that you can start a whole new career in your 60s—which is when Below Deck started—and then reinvent yourself again in your late 70s.
The Legacy of the Stud of the Sea
Captain Lee changed the way people look at yachting. Before him, it was just a rich person's hobby. He showed the grit, the sweat, and the absolute chaos behind the scenes. He wasn't just a TV character; he was a real captain who happened to have cameras following him. His age gave him the authority that younger captains sometimes lack. When he told a crew member to pack their bags, they knew he wasn't joking.
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There's been a lot of talk about ageism in Hollywood and reality TV. Lee’s exit from Below Deck felt like a part of that conversation. Fans were genuinely upset. They didn't want the "younger, fitter" version; they wanted the guy with the one-liners and the experience.
What’s Next for Lee?
Expect to see him more in the digital space. His podcast is thriving, and his social media presence is huge. He’s using his platform to talk about things that matter to him, like addiction awareness—a cause close to his heart after the tragic loss of his son, Joshua.
He’s also working on more books. His memoir, Running Against the Tide, was a hit because it was honest. That’s the thing about Lee: he’s authentic. Whether he’s 76 or 96, people are going to listen because he doesn't BS anyone.
To stay updated on what the Captain is doing next, you should follow his official social media accounts and keep an ear out for his podcast episodes. He often drops hints about his upcoming TV appearances there first. If you're looking for that classic Lee wisdom, his memoir is still the best place to start for a deep look into how he became the legend he is today.