On Below Deck season 12, Hugo Ortega shared a pivotal choice from his past that had a profound influence on his life long before he began working on luxury yachts. Originally from New York City, Hugo, known for his calm and strong leadership, discussed how he left the Jehovah's Witnesses religion at the age of 17, a decision that completely changed the course of his life.
In an episode aired on July 21, Hugo opened up about how growing up in a strict religious family led him to seek a life filled with travel and adventure. "I grew up as a Jehovah's Witness. I didn't celebrate birthdays, I didn't celebrate Christmas," he explained during a candid moment. "But I left when I was 17."
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For Hugo, working on yachts was a way to escape from his past. "I got into yachting probably like a lot of other people. was traveling and getting away from the life I had before," he shared. His earlier life, marked by religious traditions and restrictions, felt confining to him as a young man eager to explore the world. However, this choice didn't come without its challenges, particularly with his family. "Me leaving the religion is a huge point of conversation with my parents," he confessed. "I know for them, there is a lot of guilt, and they think they didn't instill things in me properly. It is a sore topic with my mom and dad."
Despite the challenges, Hugo reflects on his past with understanding and maturity. Now, he views his decision as a step towards being true to himself, rather than a rejection of his upbringing. "I don't think there is anything wasted," he said. "What would have been wasted if I had stayed in that life that I didn't like." Hugo Ortega's journey was about having the courage to set aside deeply rooted beliefs and discover his true self. By doing so, he's not only navigating the world of luxury yachts but also charting his own course in life.
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