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Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn Marries Leah Shafer on Superyacht

The couple — who first connected on social media — got engaged in September 2023 after five years of dating

Erin Clack is a Staff Editor for PEOPLE. She has been writing about fashion, parenting and pop culture for more than 15 years.

Kelly Martucci

Captain Sandy Yawn has tied the knot — this time, in the romantic sense of the word!

The boat captain and Below Deck Mediterranean star, 58, married longtime love Leah Shafer on May 11, Yawn confirmed on Instagram . Fittingly, the couple said their "I dos" on a superyacht owned by their friend, It's a 10 Haircare founder Carolyn Aronson.

"I had no idea how amazing marriage could be! It feels incredible and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world," Yawn wrote on Tuesday, May 14. "I love you, Leah Rae Yawn!! Thank you for taking my name! Thank you to our entire family and friends for coming out to show your love and support to our relationship."

Yawn also shared videos from the wedding, which she said was filmed for a special Below Deck Mediterranean episode that will air on June 3. Yawn thanked Below Deck executive producer Nadine Rajabi for officiating their wedding.

Yawn and Shafer got engaged in September 2023 after five years of dating. At the time, the reality star — who popped the question — said she had already been thinking about marrying Shafer for years.

"I knew from the minute I met her, but the timing had to be right. I wanted to make sure we could truly do life together first," she told E! News , adding that when it came to her beachside proposal, Shafer wanted a true "fairytale" experience — which Yawn happily delivered.

"I planned a boat ride to a beautiful cove. I had it decorated with flowers with a path to a small table accompanied by three violinists where we could sit and have a small date," she told E! News of the romantic setup.

Yawn continued, "I shared my vision list of love I had written and wanted, then got on one knee. Then she said 'yes!' "

She said it was an unforgettable moment for both of them. "The look on her face was priceless, and my heart exploded! It was filled beyond capacity of anything I could ever imagine. Somehow I feel closer than I did before, and I can't explain it. There is an energy that I have never experienced in my life."

Yawn shared photos from the proposal on Instagram, including a shot of the couple embracing and visibly overcome with emotion.

"It's official! I asked Leah to marry me, and she said YESSSSS," she captioned the post. "We are engaged! Stay tuned for wedding 💍."

While attending BravoCon 2023 in November, Yawn told PEOPLE that the process of planning their wedding only strengthened the pair's bond. "Leah and I couldn't be happier or closer," she said. "It took us to the next level. I love it."

Yawn also shared that Shafer had taken charge of the wedding details, from the location to the flowers. Due to space constraints on the yacht, they had to limit their guest list to about 55 people.

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Yawn has her Bravo reality series to thank for meeting her wife. Shafer, a Below Deck fan, reached out to Yawn on Facebook in 2018. After exchanging messages back and forth for a while, the two decided to meet in person in Los Angeles and sparked an immediate connection.

In her 2023 book, Be the Calm or Be the Storm , Yawn wrote about the importance of timing and how Shafer came into her life at just the right moment.

"I believe God has a way of preparing you for 'the one.' He knew I wasn’t ready for her all those years ago. And she wasn’t ready for me. God waited for us," she wrote. "He gave me opportunities to make different choices and be more conscious, so that when that sweet little Facebook message came across my page, I was open."

Shafer was previously married for 20 years to Ross Shafer, with whom she shares a teenage daughter.

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Captain Sandy Yawn (Below Deck) Biography, Age, Wiki, Height, Weight, Girlfriend, Family & More

Biography / Wiki

An American renowned Yacht Captain Sandy Yawn gained fame from “Below Deck Mediterranean” Bravo Television Reality Show”.

She is a superyacht captain with over 30 years of international maritime experience. Her integrity and courage have helped her to achieve the highest status in her field.

As she is one of only a handful of female leaders in her industry, she had overcome all the traditional stereotypes. For 3 decades, she worked as a freelancer and later has taken jobs across the world and Europe.

Height / Weight / Age

Sandy Yawn weighs 60 kg and 132 lbs in pounds. She is an outstanding yacht captain who is 170 cm in feet, inches and 5’7” tall. She has smooth and short blonde hair color and sharp wide black color eyes.

She has a slim body with a figure measurement is 33 inches breast, 26 inches waist, and 32 inches hips approximately. Her bra size is 32B whereas her dress size is 2 and her shoe size is 6 (US).

According to the sources, the estimated net worth of Captain Sandy Yawn $350,000 USD approximately. Her monthly salary is $30K USD.

Education / Family

Sandy Yawn was born in the city of Fort Lauderdale. Information about her parents is not disclosed yet. She attended a local high school in Brandon and for further studies, she was enrolled in the Maritime Professional Training Institute for her marine training. Since childhood, she has discovered her interest in marine services.

Career / Fashion And Style

Sandy Yawn started her professional career as a captain of a mega yacht. Apart from earning an outstanding reputation as an elite class of captain, she has also earned accolades from the International Superyacht Society, which honored her with the prestigious Distinguished Crew Award.

In 2006, she performed a bravery act ensuring the safety of all guests, crew, and the vessel during a catastrophic fire and pirate invasion that occurred off the coast of Yemen. She is an active member of various organizations and institutions including the Captain’s Advisory Council for the SeaKeepers Society, the International Superyacht Society, the United States Superyacht Association, and the Professional Yachting Association.

She became popular when Bravo TV hired to be the captain of Yacht Sirrocco in the second season of the “Below Deck Mediterranean” show.

Girlfriends, Affairs, Husband and More

Favorite Things

Here we are providing you the list of Captain Sandy Yawn’s favorite things.

Some Interesting Facts About Captain Sandy Yawn

• Captain Sandy Yawn holds the “Master of Oceans” and “All India License” certificate which is given by the US Court Guard.
• She is involved in charity work with Jacksonville School of Autism, an organization dedicated to helping individuals with autism and their families.
• Her hobbies are scuba diving and motorcycle riding.
• She has been recovered from stage II kidney cancer.
• She is a lesbian who is open about her relationship with her lesbian girlfriend Leah Shafer.

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The Untold Truth Of Below Deck's Captain Sandy

Below Dec k's Captain Sandy Yawn made major waves when she climbed aboard spin-off show  Below Deck:  Mediterranean   in Season 2 . As one of only a handful of female yachting captains in the industry, Yawn, who is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., started off at an immediate disadvantage upon joining the crew.

However, Yawn — known best as just "Captain Sandy" — has turned her unique position into a major selling point, leading the charge through season after season of the hit Bravo show, all the while proving herself calm under pressure, a great mentor, and an even better boss. Comparisons to the legendary Captain Lee abound but this is one lady whose style is all her own.

The reality TV star had her hardships, found love in a modern, tech-obsessed age, and even earned a nickname for her impressive managerial style. This is the untold truth of Below Deck Med 's inimitable Captain Sandy.  

She's Sandy to her friends but Captain Sandy to her Below Deck crew

It's difficult to know how to refer to Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn — should people use her surname, call her Captain Sandy, or even Captain Yawn? The folks over at Decider were similarly confused, so they asked the Below Deck Mediterranean fan fave how she likes to be addressed. "Anyone can call me Sandy. What happens in the yachting industry is people think we're all friends because we live together. And then they start losing that, 'Oh my gosh, she's actually in charge of me,'" she explained. 

Captain Sandy ensures her team knows who's the boss right off the bat, even though she considers herself a "warm" and "friendly" person by nature. "I always want people to feel I'm approachable. Having said that, I also need them to remember that I am in charge, and if you don't set that precedent in the beginning, then they get confused because I play a lot," she said. Considering how beloved she is among staff both past and present, clearly whatever Captain Sandy is doing is working. 

Below Deck's Captain Sandy almost died in a motorbike accident

Anybody who's had even a fleeting glimpse of Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn in action know she's a total boss babe. But her strength goes beyond leading a difficult crew on the high seas. As she revealed in an interview with Women's Health , a near-death experience ended up saving her life. Yawn recounted how, in February 2015, when she was 49, she  crashed her motorcycle into a car, which left her with fractured bones in most of her limbs.  

After having full reconstructive surgery on her foot and ankle, which were both totally crushed in the accident, a chance meeting with a urologist friend-of-a-friend led to a tumor being discovered on Captain Sandy's kidney. She had laparoscopic surgery less than a month later to remove it. "Who would have ever thought they would be grateful for being in a motorcycle crash? But I was. As the doctor explained, it might have been years until that tumor was found. At that point, the cancer would have progressed, and it would have been too late," she revealed. 

Below Deck's Captain Sandy is not the crew's mother, she's their leader

The casts of Below Deck and Below Deck   Mediterranean might not be as debauched as, say, the Vanderpump Rules lot, which features the likes of Lala Kent and  Stassi Schroeder , but spending so much time isolated on boats together does bring out a certain... element in people, particularly young, hot crew-members looking to quash their boredom between shifts. Thankfully, Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn couldn't care less what her charges get up to on-board, just as long as they keep things kosher when the time comes.

"How I handle it is, I don't care who you sleep with or if you all sleep together, but the minute you come up on deck you better be professional. I don't want to see that behavior on deck and do your job. And they do. Most of the time they do their jobs," she told People . Although Captain Sandy has had to intervene a few times, she makes it clear that she's "not their mother" but "their leader." And, as their leader, the Below Deck Med star understands that "they have to have outlets," adding, "You can't demand what we demand from these crews and not let them have these outlets." 

Shared faith helped Below Deck's Captain Sandy find love

After years of working in a male-dominated industry, wondering whether she'd ever find someone who could fit into her insanely busy life, Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn found love in the unlikeliest of places: on Facebook, where gospel singer Leah Shafer sent her a sweet message about Below Deck Mediterranean . It stood out among a multitude of DMs because of the "many blessings" at the end, which struck a chord with the faith-focused yacht captain. After researching Shafer, Captain Sandy realized she'd be ideal for her "I Believe" speaking tour "because her music has a message," as she told The Cheat Sheet .  

When the two finally met in person, they knew instantly. Captain Sandy even relocated to Denver to be with Shafer. Their shared faith brought them together, with Shafer revealing, "It was like a spiritual connection in the beginning. She has a passion for inspiring through music and the youth. And broken people and so do I coming from the gospel industry. That's what brought us together. And then, of course, the attraction and falling in love with a beautiful soul and knowing you want to be with someone forever. I've never felt that way before." 

Below Deck's Captain Sandy thinks being a captain is pretty hot

She may have found her ideal partner, but Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn still has to fend off unwanted attention from horny yacht guests. As she told Bravo , it's largely because of her standing on the ship. "It's sexy. It's pretty hot," the Below Deck Mediterranean star said of being a captain. Guests are attracted to a woman at the helm because they don't see it very often, and they instantly want to know everything about her. 

According to a  psychological study about the connection between power and sexual attraction, the two are intrinsically linked. The report found that power heightens sexual attraction. Both male and female high-powered individuals were significantly more attractive to participants than their low-power counterparts, which is great news for a woman captaining a super-yacht for sure. We guess being in a powerful position is just one of many surprising traits men find attractive , and it seems Captain Sandy has doubt about her effect on guests. 

Below Deck's Captain Sandy has a nickname at sea that's very fitting

Considering she beat cancer and came back from a devastating injury (via Women's Health ) to be one of a tiny group of women helming a yacht, it's no wonder Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn is taken as something of a trailblazer in the industry. More than that, though, she's a major bada**. Quite literally, as noted in an interview with Boats , the Below Deck Mediterranean star is known colloquially as "Bada** Captain." 

It's something she leans into 100 percent. Her daily mantra is: "Wake up. Show up. Kick a**. Repeat." With Captain Sandy working consistently in a male-dominated industry, running yachts well above and below 100 feet, fronting a reality show about the industry itself, and frequently battling daunting professional and personal circumstances, the nickname is totally fitting. At its core, "Bada** Captain" showcases this lady's focus on inspiring everyone to follow her lead and push themselves to be the best they can be.  

Below Deck's Captain Sandy didn't always want to be a yacht captain

Watching her work, it's impossible to envision anywhere else Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn could possibly be more at home. And yet, being a yacht captain wasn't her end goal. In fact, it wasn't even a goal — period. As she reminisced with Boats , she "fell into it," admitting, "It's not like I said, 'I have to be a yacht captain.'" 

Growing up in Florida, she was always on the water, even cleaning boats as an early job. The captain of the yacht on which she landed her very first crew position wasn't great, leading her to realize she could do better. After being hired by the owner of a 67-footer, who paid for Captain Sandy to earn her captain's license, she stayed and worked with him for almost ten years. Below Deck came calling in 2015, looking for her to be a part of their new  Mediterranean  spin-off. "I thought, 'Why not?'" she shared. "This show reaches the middle of America and people who knew nothing about charter."

Below Deck's Captain Sandy has an empathetic response to homophobia

One of Below Deck Mediterranean 's most shocking moments saw Mila Kolomeitseva — the first female chef featured on the hit Bravo reality TV franchise — making homophobic comments to other members of Captain Sandy Yawn's crew. Kolomeitseva's issue surrounded her young son seeing "two men kissing each other," which was something she wanted to avoid. When questioned about the incident by Too Fab , Below Deck 's Captain Sandy said she heard it through the grapevine only, rather than being told directly.

As for how she feels about Kolomeitseva's demonstrably homophobic attitude, the no-nonsense leader explained, "People grow up in different countries and are programmed a certain way to think," referring to the chef's Siberian upbringing. Captain Sandy elaborated, "That's her opinion. That doesn't reflect [me]," adding, "She can have her opinion. I don't really care. Doesn't reflect on me. It reflects on her."

The girlfriend of Below Deck's Captain Sandy is everything the star was looking for

Meeting Leah Shafer was fate as far as  Below Deck Mediterranean star Captain Sandy Yawn is concerned. "It was meant to be because I wasn't really looking for it," she told  Too Fab , adding, "I wrote a list of the person I wanted, and she's the list," she explained. 

Their connection was instantaneous, of course, but Below Deck 's Captain Sandy was quick to note that the honeymoon period has continued on regardless. "You know when you meet that person, you know? And then you say, 'Okay, they're on their best behavior.' But she's actually normal, and I wake up happy every day of my life," she explained. 

The Below Deck Med fixture previously told Bravo's Daily Dish , "I want someone who wakes up happy, just is happy to be alive. Like, that's how I wake up every day of my life," and it looks like Shafer certainly fits the bill. 

Below Deck's Captain Sandy almost lost her life to addiction

Aside from a deadly motorcycle accident, which in turn led to a cancer scare, Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn also almost lost her life to addiction, something many people don't understand . Although it's difficult to imagine the inspirational female captain as anything other than a total bada**, she explained to The Cheat Sheet that, particularly as a teenager, she "was a mess." Captain Sandy elaborated on her troubles, admitting, "No matter how much money you have, it's not going to save your life if you are an addict or an alcoholic. And I was a major addict and alcoholic." In fact, she said she was frequently in and out of jail for drunk-driving.

Nowadays, Captain Sandy utilizes those troubled experiences to teach others to stay on the right path. "The only way I can help is to share my story," she said, adding that school was a nightmare for her and self-medicating may even have been a response to her burgeoning same-sex attraction. Her mother was an alcoholic, making Captain Sandy's home life difficult, too. Thankfully, by 25, she was ready to turn her life around. 

Veganism didn't agree with Below Deck's Captain Sandy

Watching her confidently steer the ship on Below Deck Mediterranean , it seems there's nothing Captain Sandy Yawn can't do. And yet, something as relatively simple as going vegan beat the tough-as-nails leader. As she explained to Bravo's The Feast , driving a vessel for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society made her conscious of what she eats, in particular fish. She's toyed with the idea of going vegan, but it unfortunately didn't work for her.

"Honestly, I try, but I didn't feel well to be honest. I didn't have the energy. Some bodies just aren't cut to go vegan. I tried," she said. These days, it's actually her partner, Leah Shafer, who decides what they eat because Below Deck 's Captain Sandy is so laid-back about it. "I'm not that person [who has to decide]: As a captain, we constantly make decisions. When I'm with someone else, I don't want to make a decision. I don't want to choose," she said. 

Below Deck's Captain Sandy would love to welcome some Real Housewives aboard

Most people watching Real Housewives  couldn't imagine tussling with any of the ladies in the ever-expanding franchise, but Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn would welcome some of the mouthiest broads on-board. In fact, she'd relish having them as guests. When Decider asked which show in particular she'd like to see stars from, Captain Sandy chose New York City . She explained, "New Yorkers have an edge. I love to be challenged by clients. When clients are yes-ing you to death, I know that it's not perfect because that's impossible. I need the client to tell me the truth. They'll tell the truth."

As for who her real-life Bravo favorites are, Captain Sandy advised, "I have to admit that I didn't watch The Real Housewives of Potomac , but after meeting Gizelle Bryant...her vibe. I love NeNe, Dorinda, I love them all. But after spending time with Gizelle, we didn't even really talk a lot, but she was so gracious. She's cool." The Below Deck Mediterranean star confirmed, "She's cool on the show, she's real. ...So I have to say, she's probably won me over."

Below Deck's Captain Sandy doesn't appreciate the Captain Lee comparisons

So-called "stud of the sea" Captain Lee Rosbach is a Below Deck mainstay but if there was anyone who was going to not just follow in his footsteps but blow him out of the water (pun intended), it would be Captain Sandy. Even so, she's not terribly impressed with the comparisons. As she told Decider , "When people compare me to Captain Lee on Twitter, that makes me realize they have no idea who I am, or who he is. It's just what they watch. We have two very different career paths. I was a busy charter captain in the Mediterranean. That wasn't Captain Lee."

Below Deck 's Captain Sandy was quick to note, "I have respect for him. We get along. He's great, he refers to me as kiddo. He's a great guy." Still, she also asserted, "As a woman in this industry, I worked hard to get to where I am. When you're a guy it's an easier climb, right?" She explained that everything has to be 100 percent by the book because mistakes aren't as forgivable for a female captain. 

Below Deck's Captain Sandy sees being a female captain as an advantage

As much as being a woman made it harder for Below Deck 's Captain Sandy Yawn to make her mark (via Decider ), she doesn't necessarily see it as a setback. She told Bravo , "Being a female captain in this industry is challenging and inspiring because I thrive on problem solving. Being a woman in the male dominated yachting world is an advantage due to my ability to multi task while managing the emotions of the crew. I choose not to come from a place of power and control and it really, really works."

She continued, "I prefer to be hands-on, firm, and compassionate. That's how I navigate my leadership." Furthermore, Captain Sandy sees her role as inspirational too, telling The Little White Lie  that this is her time "to inspire other young ladies to jump in and say YES to taking a risk." She continued, "It's so worth it! If you fall short don't give up, just pick yourself up, brush yourself off and go for it again."

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In conversation: Below Deck's Captain Sandy Yawn shares her insight on yacht charter

By Katia Damborsky |   Last Updated 27 August 2021

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Best known for her strong leadership and no-nonsense management style, Captain Sandra Yawn and her crew are the shining stars of 'Below Deck Mediterranean'. But away from the cameras and the on-deck drama, we catch up with Sandy to get her insight into the world of yachting, discover all her favorite Mediterranean destinations and learn why "Below Deck is the best thing that has happened to our industry."

Captain Sandy Yawn has been at the helm of Below Deck Mediterranean since season 2 hit our screens in 2017, and has quickly become a fan favorite. The born-and-bred Floridian runs a tight ship on the hit Bravo reality TV show, but is known for her candor and honesty off-screen. 

In between filming, we managed to catch up with Sandy to get her thoughts on private yacht charter and get the scoop on all her favorite destinations in the Mediterranean. 

You grew up in Fort Lauderdale, the so-called Yachting Capital of the World. Tell me a little more about you got into the yachting industry?

The truth is I answered an ad in the newspaper! So funny because this was a dream unrealized.

Have you been a captain on private yachts as well as charter?

I started out on a private yacht and worked on one for 10 years. It was a corporate vessel which was like chartering- but without the tip! 

Do you notice any differences between the two? 

Of course. On a private yacht, you have the same guests all the time, so you get to know what they expect. On a charter vessel, you have different guests all the time and you need to conform and adjust to their every need. 

What's been the biggest hurdle you've had to overcome in your career as a captain?

My gender. I have been turned down for jobs because I am a woman. It's so shocking to me that there are few woman on deck today. If it wasn't for Below Deck I believe we would have even fewer women in yachting. I love that the show always has a female on deck.

If it wasn't for Below Deck I believe we would have even fewer women in yachting. I love that the show always has a female on deck.

You've previously said that being a female captain is an advantage because you can multitask and offer emotional support. How do you think your management style and attitude differs from other captains?

What can I say, it's a fact! I treat them how I would want to be treated, and that's how I lead the crew. Full stop.

Want more Below Deck? Take a look ALL Below Deck Yachts, their Real Names and the Cost to Rent Them

Although plenty of wealthy individuals have the means to rent a superyacht, not all of them do. Do you think that Below Deck opens peoples' eyes to the possibility of chartering a yacht?

Below Deck is the best thing that has happened to our industry since Zero Speed Stabilizers! I love that it reaches middle America. Not only does it show its possible to charter a vessel but as you know we are at a deficit of good crew. What we need now more than ever is crew. I feel like I'm in the best industry in the world and I want it to continue to thrive.

The shipyards are aging out of some of the best tradesmen and women ever and they need young personnel who want to work hard and learn. Below Deck has opened the eyes of people all over the world. Bravo Network as a whole is an incredible bunch of people who I've grown to love over time. They care about how our industry is portrayed and they always want to elevate us. I work with the producers and they would never ask me to do anything that would jeopardize our safety or security. They do care. 

Below Deck is the best thing that has happened to our industry since Zero Speed Stabilizers! Captain Sandy Yawn

How do you think the reality of chartering a yacht differs from what viewers see on Below Deck?

The only part that is different is that Below Deck shows short charters. As you are aware, the crew really do act like you see on Below Deck, and as Captains, it's our job to to manage their behavior. It's part of the job. It's as real as it gets!

You once said your favorite yacht to work on was M/Y TUSCAN SUN (now BB). What do you think makes a great charter yacht?

Tuscan Sun was laid out for charter. The stew area was out of the way of the chef area, the cabins could be serviced through a hidden door that led to the crew quarters and it has 3 bars. For a 45 meter vessel, it felt like a 50 meter. The sundeck is the best part of the vessel. It has a wrap-around bar so the guest can sit across from each other and chat instead of turning their heads. The grill is placed out of the way but close enough to serve the food hot. 

I love learning about the history of each place we are lucky enough to visit. Captain Sandra Yawn

Where are your favorite places to charter in the Med? Do you have any secret anchorages or places you love taking guests?

I get this question often, and I like to ask; "What are you in the mood for?" Romance, history, beauty, a sexy setting, a scene where you can have some epic sundowners with a cool vibe?  Or maybe you want an incredibly rich art history, a party that goes all night and some of the best tapas on the planet. In order that would be Italy, France and Spain. But the list goes on with many other countries.

As you know, there are so many incredible places to cruise and I must admit when my friends ask me where they should go I always ask what they're looking for. But for me personally; I love Greece, the Bahamas. America has an incredible waterway system and miles of coast with loads of places to stop and hang. Croatia is at the top of my list as well. I guess you can say my favorite is where I haven't been yet! 

Any favorite restaurants in the Med that you would recommend to your guests?

I would always recommend eating on board the vessel you chartered. The yacht is the restaurant and the chef is most likely better than any land-based restaurant. Now- if you are on land and not on a yacht then the list is vast; Europe has some of the world's best restaurants. I personally like the family-owned restaurants and little tavernas. They have the most charm and character.

What are your favorite things about chartering in the Med, and the Caribbean? Do you have a preference between the two?

I personally prefer the Mediterranean. I grew up in Florida, born and raised, and in the early days of my boating career, I spent all my time in the blue waters of the Bahamas and Caribbean. I do love this region- it's like a paradise on earth! However, I love the rich culture and history the Med has to offer too. I love learning about the history of each place we are lucky enough to visit. I feel so blessed to be in this industry for that reason. 

What's been your most memorable charter experience?

I had a one month charter where we departed from the South of France to deliver to Venice, Italy. From there, we cruised down the coast of Croatia, stopping in Montenegro and then passing through the Corinth Canal and cruising Greece. It was EPIC!

This article has been edited for length and clarity.

Editor's Note: This interview was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic. For travel updates and charter advice, please see our  superyacht charter and Coronavirus guide .

To learn more about chartering a yacht, please reach out to a yacht charter broker .

You can view and compare all Mediterranean luxury charter yachts .

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What You Don't Know About Below Deck Med's Captain Sandy

Sandy Yawn first made waves when she joined Season 2 of "Below Deck: Mediterranean" in 2017. Yawn — better known as "Captain Sandy" — is only one of a handful of female yachting captains in the industry and weathered some doubts when she joined the crew. The Fort Lauderdale native got her start in yachting 30 years ago, after a turbulent adolescence that saw her drop out of high school and have multiple run-ins with the law, per Vanity Fair . Those experiences, as it turns out, made her the perfect candidate for the sailing show.

Sandy has turned her hard-hitting personality into an asset on "Below Deck: Mediterranean" by leading her crew into the depths of the sea, while remaining calm and collected, as a mentor and a boss. While audiences have compared her to the great Captain Lee , Sandy has definitely held her own in a male-dominated industry.

The reality star is more than just a captain; she's dealt with hardships, found love, and earned a reputation for her strict managerial style. Read on to find out the untold truth about one of the most respected captains from "Below Deck."

Sandy Yawn wants her crew to respect her

As the captain of the yacht , Sandy Yawn automatically commands respect, but she does still set boundaries — especially when it comes to what people call her. "Anyone can call me Sandy," she told Decider  in 2019 when asked about how she liked to be addressed. "What happens in the yachting industry is people think we're all friends because we live together," she explained. "And then they start losing that, 'Oh my gosh, she's actually in charge of me.'"

Sandy makes sure her team knows that it's all business when they work under her, even though she considers herself a "warm" and "funny" person when she's not working. "I always want people to feel I'm approachable," she said, while adding, "I also need them to remember I'm in charge, and if you don't set that precedent in the beginning, then they get confused because I play a lot."

Clearly, Sandy's leadership skills are working as she has not been involved in a lot of drama on the reality show.

Sandy Yawn almost died in a motorcycle accident

Viewers who watch "Below Deck" will know that Sandy Yawn gives it her all and takes on the hardest of challenges, but nothing could compare to her near-death experience in February 2015. The vessel that almost killed her wasn't her yacht, but her motorcycle. As Sandy revealed in an as-told-to  Women's Health  article in May 2017, she crashed her motorcycle into a car, when she was 49, and fractured the bones in most of her limbs. But as fate would have it, the crash also revealed another life-threatening diagnosis.

After undergoing surgery to reconstruct her foot and ankle, which were crushed in the accident, Sandy's urologist friend asked a doctor who worked in the hospital to give her a kidney scan. Although Sandy didn't have any pain or trouble urinating, the scans revealed a tumor in her kidney. Under the urging of her urologist friend, Sandy had the tumor laparoscopically removed a month later in March 2015. 

"Who would have ever thought they would be grateful for being in a motorcycle crash? But I was. As the doctor explained, it might have been years until that tumor was found. At that point, the cancer would have progressed, and it would have been too late," she added.

Sandy Yawn's 'Below Deck' nickname reflects her personality

Considering that Sandy Yawn escaped death twice to become one of the very few women to rein at sea, it's no wonder that she's established a reputation for being tough — so much so that her crew gave her a very fitting nickname. As noted in an interview with Boats in 2018, Yawn is known colloquially as "Bada** Captain" amongst her crew.

The nickname makes sense, as Sandy lives by her daily mantra of: "Wake Up. Show Up. Kick a**. Repeat." Her take-no-prisoners attitude has inspired audiences to lead with confidence, be less intimidated, and push themselves to do better in their professions. 

Sandy definitely lives up to the "Bada** Captain" nickname, even though she fell into this job by accident. She revealed that she worked as a cleaner first before captaining yachts and got her first opportunity after she told her former captain that "he wasn't good at his job." Yawn aspired to do better and she did. It's no wonder Bravo came knocking on her door.

Sandy Yawn believes that 'Below Deck' is her calling

Landing a Bravo show is a dream many people have, but Sandy Yawn believes she was destined to be on "Below Deck" because of the struggles she went through as a teen and adult, including overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, surviving stage-two cancer, and more. She saw the opportunity as God's way of telling her to give back to people, telling Vanity Fair in October 2020, "I just felt like God was using me. I said, 'Okay, dude, whatever you want me to do. I feel like you saved my life so many times, I've got to pay you back.'"

The greater purpose imposed on her by God is one of the reasons why Sandy has chosen to stay on the show, despite the challenges and personality clashes that play out in each season. 

"I love to invest in people," she explained. "I don't have an agenda other than to be the very best I can, every time I step on a vessel. I love 'Below Deck.' I like Bravo as a whole...it feels like I'm investing in something that's bigger than me."

Sandy Yawn's faith also led her to find her true love

Besides believing that God's divine intervention led to her starring on Bravo, Sandy Yawn also believes that her faith led her to girlfriend Leah Shafer. Sandy met Shafer, a gospel singer, on Facebook after the latter DM'd her about "Below Deck: Mediterranean." 

The message stood out because Shafer concluded with "many blessings," which spoke to Sandy's faith. The captain decided that Shafer was the ideal lover "because her music has a message," as she told CheatSheet in May 2019.

Their connection was so deep and instantaneous that Sandy relocated to Denver to be with Shafer. Shafer revealed that their shared faith brought them together, telling CheatSheet, "It was like a spiritual connection in the beginning. She has a passion for inspiring through music and the youth. And broken people and so do I, coming from the gospel industry. That's what brought us together. And then, of course, the attraction and falling in love with a beautiful soul and knowing you want to be with someone forever. I've never felt that way before."

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Captain Sandy Yawn on All Things Yachting, Work-life Balance, and the New Season of 'Below Deck Med'

Captain Sandy Yawn shares how she keeps in touch with loved ones, her career in yachting, and more with T+L ahead of the Bravo show's season premiere.

Courtesy of NBC Universal

While Captain Sandy Yawn is at the helm of a super yacht for months at a time, she relies on an everyday, tried-and-true method for keeping in touch with loved ones on land: FaceTime

The long-time Below Deck Mediterranean captain, who recently got engaged to partner Leah Shafer, knows a thing or two about traveling for work. In fact filming can keep her away from home for two months at a time, but the couple finds a way to make it work.

“We FaceTime. Leah’s busy, she has her own job and her own career,” Yawn told Travel + Leisure during a recent interview, while chatting about the newest season of the show premiering on Monday. “This is the first time she’s ever come out to see me, which is really great. We're touring London now… It’s awesome. I love London, I feel like it's my second home.”

Of course, figuring out how to strike a work/life balance hasn’t been Yawn’s only challenge in her decades-long and storied career. The captain first started working on boats when she answered an ad for a boat washer in 1990. And as a woman, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she now stands as a role model.

“To be a beacon for others is really cool,” Yawn said. “But I never led with that: I didn't lead with who I was sleeping with, I never did. I didn't lead with my gender — although I didn't get hired for a job because of my gender…. For some reason they didn't think I could be a captain of their boat. I don't really understand that mentality.”

With Captain Sandy Yawn

Where in the world do you prefer to sail the most?

I love, honestly, the Mediterranean.

What is your key to getting rid of motion sickness?

Ginger root. Just slice the ginger and eat it.

Is there an item that you never travel without?

Berocca [it's a] UK brand, actually. It’s like Emergen-C, but better, and it gives you energy.

Is there a dream trip that you have in mind?

Alaska. I've never been, I want to go. I want to see those animals. I love animals, I love nature, [and] I love the wildlife. So yeah, Alaska, on a cruise. I would love that.

What's your favorite travel memory?

There are so many. London, I guess. Coming here, honestly, is my favorite travel memory because there's so much to offer. And I'm a kid at heart, I love going to the dungeons of London, the Tower of London, and doing all those crazy things like the history walking tours. I love that, it's incredible.

Celeb Check-in

Over the years, Yawn said she has seen a shift in the industry, especially following the debut of the Below Deck franchise (which also includes Below Deck Down Under, Below Deck Adventure, and Below Deck Sailing Yacht ).

“Back in the day, people hated the show. They didn't like it [because] it highlighted, they felt, the worst of the worst,” she said. “I said ‘no, it highlights exactly what captains go through and what we have to deal with.’ Let the owners watch these shows, let them see so we get a raise.” 

And she also feels it has had a positive impact on the destinations they visit.

Not only has it had a positive impact on the industry, it also gives a toursm boost to the destinations that they visit.

"Every time we highlight an area, wherever we visit on a boat, they get more tourism, that's a fact," she said," mentioning that she's met people traveling who are going to Croatia for the first time thanks to the show.

"I guarantee if you go back to Malta, they'll say their tourism increased. Probably by 50 percent," she added.

On what will be season eight of Below Deck Mediterranean , Bravo viewers will watch Yawn and her crew navigate the Italian Riviera on the 180-foot M/Y Mustique. The new season promises “unprecedented staffing changes” as well as the return of some Below Deck alums like stews Natalya Scudder and Kyle Viljoen as well as Tumi Mhlongo and Luka Brunton, who both first appeared on Below Deck Down Under . 

“[The] Italian Riviera is absolutely spectacular,” she said. “I also love the food there, the vibe, and I think the viewers are really going to enjoy the crew this year.”

And while viewers are pretty much guaranteed to see some crazy antics, Yawn said she’s not privy to them.

“I don't know what happens below deck until I watch the show because I don't live downstairs, I live on the bridge deck,” she said. “They've learned not to come around me with that behavior. Also, I think when you're at work and it's your boss, you're not going to be acting like that in front of the person you work for.”

And as for crazy guest requests? Yawn said there’s no such thing.

“There are no crazy requests. We’re in the superyacht industry — where there is money, we grant their request. It's like we're the little genie in the bottle,” she said. “People want truffles flown in for their dinner and it's morning time from Paris, fresh… Honestly, we're used to it. So to us, it's not crazy or outlandish, it is part of our industry.” 

But chartering a boat doesn’t just have to be for the rich and famous. Yawn said “there’s boats for every budget from small to larger.” And when travelers are on a yacht, they should take advantage of every option available to them.

“Use the boat, use the water toys, and stay on board and utilize everything that we have to offer because it only lasts for the time you're on board and then you're gone,” she said.

Related Articles

‘Below Deck’ Captain Sandy Yawn’s Unique Voyage On and Off Camera

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Captain Sandy (@captainsandrayawn)

So before the new chapter in her life as an author starts, we wanted to connect with Captain Sandy to chat with her about the TV show, her passion for traveling the world by boat, what sparked her drive to become a captain, her travel bucket list, her favorite places to visit on the Mediterranean, and how she navigates her life at sea and a relationship with her girlfriend, Leah Shafer. 

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Kwin Mosby has 20+ years of editorial experience which has included working as the editor-in-chief for Vacationer Magazine, managing digital producer for Travel Channel, and content manager for Travel Leaders Group. He is also a freelance writer and his work has appeared in reputable print and digital publications, including Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, AFAR, Tripadvisor, and others.

One thought on “ ‘Below Deck’ Captain Sandy Yawn’s Unique Voyage On and Off Camera ”

Beautiful Woman, loves the sea, as it is . Not sure if the tv program does her career much good.

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Everything to know about below deck mediterranean's captain sandy yawn.

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20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now

Below deck mediterranean season 9 shows captain sandy’s selfish side (she’s inconsiderate), below deck mediterranean season 10: latest news, potential cast, & everything we know.

• Captain Sandy Yawn of Below Deck Med is an OG captain with a checkered past but now a well-respected leader with over 30 years of international maritime experience.
• Viewers may find her tendency to micromanage annoying, but her advice comes from a good place, showing she can be a trustworthy boss standing up for her crew.
• In her personal life, Captain Sandy is currently planning her wedding to girlfriend Leah.

Captain Sandy Yawn of Below Deck Mediterranean has been at the helm for the past eight seasons, and there is a lot to know about the OG captain. Even though Captain Sandy has her moments of micromanaging, viewers can see she is excited to teach the next generation. Currently, Captain Sandy has a lot going on in her personal and professional life, and she is currently on Below Deck Med season 9. Below Deck Med was captained by Mike Howard in season 1 before Sandy took over.

The Below Deck franchises have been a favorite for Bravo fans who enjoy watching the drama on the high seas. Even though the drama is never-ending craziness, Captain Sandy keeps a close eye on her crew so that she can steer them in the right direction. Over the years, Below Deck Mediterranean viewers have become annoyed with Captain Sandy's tendency to micromanage and add her two cents, but most can see her advice is coming from a good place. Time and time again, Captain Sandy has proven she can be a trustworthy boss when she stands up for her crew.

Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.

Captain Sandy's Age, Bio, & Hometown

Captain sandy has a checkered past.

Captain Sandy grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where being on the water and boating became a way of life. While in Florida, Captain Sandy attended Brandon High School, which is located in Hillsborough County. On a past episode of Below Deck Mediterranean , Sandy joked that she was a "troublemaker" growing up. Upon graduating, Captain Sandy went on to get her maritime degree. At almost 60, Sandy has no intention of taking time off from the water, and she loves the adventures it provides.

Captain Sandy also has a checkered past. She was into drug and alcohol misuse when she was younger and also got in trouble with the law. These days, Captain Sandy is sober and is the only Below Deck captain who does not dabble with alcohol. Captain Sandy also had kidney cancer, which she spoke about in Below Deck Med season 9 for the first time It is currently in remission.

Captain Sandy's Dating History

Captain sandy is planning a wedding.

Captain Sandy revealed that she has liked both women and men in the past but has been dating her girlfriend, Leah Shafer, for several years. The Below Deck Mediterranean star met the gospel singer online through Facebook, and they have been inseparable ever since. The couple, who are now settled down in Denver, Colorado, have had their fair share of ups and downs.

Both Captain Sandy and Leah came under fire for their relationship and religious beliefs, with Leah revealing some organizations no longer supported her after revealing she was dating the captain. However, the couple has pushed the negative comments away and stayed committed to one another. The trailer for Below Deck Med season 9 showed that Captain Sandy proposed to Leah, and viewers will get to see that side of the formidable figurehead in the future this season. She is currently planning her wedding, which Bravoloebrities are sure to attend.

Captain Sandy's Job

She has been a captain for a long time.

59-year-old Captain Sandy once told Below Deck Mediterranean fans that she didn't make the water her career until her former captain helped her get her captain's license. The Bravo star considers herself a leader, international speaker, and businesswoman, as she has just released her book, Be The Calm Or Be The Storm . Captain Sandy has over 30 years of international maritime experience and has even survived pirates in Yemen. There is no doubt the Bravo star is accomplished , as fans look forward to a new season.

Captain Sandy's Feud With Captain Lee Rosbach

Will he be at the wedding.

Captain Sandy used to be close friends with OG Below Deck captain, Captain Lee Rosbach. However, in recent years they've been feuding. It started when Captain Sandy took over for Captain Lee in Below Deck season 10 after Captain Lee had to leave mid-season due to medical issues. While Captain Sandy was at the helm, she fired stewardess Camille Lamb without talking to Captain Lee, and that move started their issues. Captain Lee said he would have liked to be consulted.

Online, Captain Sandy's now-fiancé Leah jumped in and scolded the captain for bashing Sandy's decision-making when she was the one doing him a favor by stepping in. Since then, Captain Lee has commented on other things Sandy has done as captain, like her hypocritical rule of not waking the chef. Captain Lee did not get an invitation to Captain Sandy's wedding, further solidifying the Below Deck Med star's rift with him.

Below Deck Mediterranean airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo, then streams the following day on Peacock.

Source: Cheatsheet , Sandy Yawn /Instagram, Sandy Yawn /Instagram, Bravo /YouTube

Below Deck Mediterranean

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Below Deck Mediterranean is a Bravo reality television series that follows a crew that works aboard a gigantic superyacht during the busy season. The show highlights the challenges of the crew as they serve their high-end clientele. Each season tackles new locations, such as Greece, Croatia, Italy, and France, with some repeating.

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Below Deck Mediterranean's Captain Sandy Yawn married on board superyacht She's a 10 Too

Star of Below Deck Mediterranean Captain Sandy has tied the knot with Leah Shafer on board the 54-metre She's a 10 Too . The couple first met on Facebook in 2018 and announced their engagement in September 2023.

The wedding was officiated by Nadine Rajabi, executive producer of Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Down Under . The ceremony will be broadcast on an upcoming episode of Below Deck Mediterranean .

"On May 11th, 2024 I married the love of my life. I had no idea how amazing marriage could be," read a statement from Captain Sandy. "It feels incredible and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. I love you, Leah Rae Yawn! Thank you for taking my name! Thank you to our entire family and friends for coming out to show your love and support to our relationship."

Delivered in March 2024, She's a 10 Too is the latest Mangusta GranSport 54 from Overmarine Group to hit the water and was sold to an "experienced owner". The series is marked by its speed – able to reach a maximum of 30-31 knots – and its muscular, imposing exterior design. 

Her sisterships are Siniar , delivered in 2020 and El Leon , delivered in 2018.

She's a 10 Too was designed inside and out by Italian studio Alberto Mancini with naval architecture by Pierluigi Ausonio PLANA . The superyacht was reportedly lent to the couple by a friend.

She is  currently docked in Port Everglades, Florida, according to BOATPro .

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8 Times Captain Sandy Changed Her Personality In Below Deck Mediterranean Season 9

• Captain Sandy Yawn's evolution on Below Deck Med has shown her more vulnerable and relatable side this season.
• She has demonstrated a compassionate approach towards her crew, providing comfort and understanding in tough situations.
• Fans have witnessed a different side of Captain Sandy, as she navigates personal challenges alongside her professional responsibilities.

Below Deck Mediterranean leader, Captain Sandy Yawn , has come out of her usual character in season 9. Captain Sandy has been the figurehead of the Below Deck franchise's first spinoff since its second season, so fans have been watching her on-screen since 2017. The 59-year-old is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but now calls Colorado home with her now-wife, Leah Shafer . Captain Sandy did not have the easiest road to captainhood , as she had a checkered past in her younger years, but she has been open about her issues.

The Below Deck Med frontwoman has been transparent about her past addiction problems with drugs and alcohol but has showcased how proud she is to be sober. She got sober in 1989, and her maritime career kicked off shortly after that. She was given a chance by a superior and was able to go to captain's school, where she earned her credentials. Captain Sandy has over 30 years in the yachting industry at this point and is showing no signs of relinquishing her public career on Below Deck Mediterranean .

Below Deck Mediterranean has evolved over the years, and Captain Sandy is demonstrating that she has too. She has been criticized by the Below Deck community for being a micro-manager, a hypocrite, overly harsh with her words to her crew, and meddling in situations that she should back off from as a captain. Currently, fans are watching the tail end of Below Deck Med season 9 , where Captain Sandy and her crew have been showing the guests a 5-star experience in Greece. Throughout this season, Captain Sandy has handled situations that have been out of her character , but it has made her better received by fans than in the past.

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Captain Sandy Let Joe Bradley Drive The Boat After A Mistake

She helped joe feel better.

Below Deck Med season 9's Joe Bradley was chosen by Bosun Iain Maclean to be the Lead Deckhand before getting to know his skill level on deck. While Joe has been in the industry for several years, he made several mistakes, including one while docking that caught the attention of Captain Sandy. This caused Captain Sandy to pull Joe from his position on the bow of the yacht and give that responsibility to Deckhand Nathan Gallagher. In essence, Joe got demoted, and Iain got scolded for not vetting his lead choice properly.

Joe felt terrible about the scolding, demotion, and his poor deck performance. Instead of letting Joe feel bad, Captain Sandy uncharacteristically asked Joe to come to the wheelhouse so that he could let him steer the boat. Instead of tearing Joe down and making him feel worse than he already did, Captain Sandy tried to bring him up.

In the past with mistakes, Captain Sandy has laid into her crew when they are already in a low place, like she did with Chief Stew Fraser Olender in Below Deck season 10.

Captain Sandy Opened Up About Her Cancer

She became more relatable.

During the season, the guests had one charter with a guest who had survived their battle with cancer. Captain Sandy felt kindred with this guest and opened up about her own battle with cancer during an interview. This was the first time Below Deck Med fans had heard about Captain Sandy's past health issue, and it made them see her through a different, more relatable lens. Captain Sandy had kidney cancer nine years ago , and it has been in remission since she fought it.

Captain Sandy Capped On The Rude Guests

She has never done that before.

In season 9, Captain Sandy showed up for her crew in a different way than she ever has done past. There have been plenty of rude guests to come on Below Deck Med , and Captain Sandy decided to address the guests' rudeness with a very undercut approach. The rude guests unwarrantedly felt like Aesha and the crew were not being on point with their overwhelming demands and callous attitudes, which Captain Sandy caught wind of.

Captain Sandy appeared during a beverage service behind the bar, to give the guests a piece of off-handed advice. Her advice was heard by the parties who needed to hear it, and they weren't happy about it, but the point seemed to be taken (via @belowdeckbravo .)

"I always say this. If you beat character down, you're going to kill their spirit. But if you're gracious and you're thankful, you're going to build them up, and they're gonna wanna do more for you."

Captain Sandy Conforted Bri Muller

Captain sandy doesn't comfort the crew.

When Third Stew Bri Muller was having issues with Second Stew Ellie Dubaich, she brought her emotion and her sense of being overwhelmed by the situation to the crew mess while she was eating. Captain Sandy came down to the crew mess and saw how upset Bri was. Captain Sandy comforted Bri and did not scold her for the drama that was happening Instead, she told Bri to handle the situation with maturity and not to lose sight of the job and her performance, which seemed to have a positive effect on Bri's attitude.

Captain Sandy Let Aesha Handle The Bri & Ellie Drama

Before she took over.

Bri and Ellie's drama started over their mutual romantic interest in Joe Bradley, and it escalated into tensions in the laundry room. Ellie thought Bri wasn't respecting her authority, and Bri felt like Ellie was sabotaging her. The growing tension between the two Stews was brought to Captain Sandy by Chief Stew Aesha Scott, but instead of stepping in at that point and steamrolling the situation, Captain Sandy relinquished power to Aesha to handle the situation.

Ultimately the two Stews' feud was at a point where Aesha couldn't talk either of them down or facilitate their peace on the job. From there, Captain Sandy took over and laid down the law.

Captain Sandy's hands-off approach to the initial problem was out of character for her, and it showed not only that Captain Sandy adopted a new approach to escalation but that she trusted her crew more than she had in the past.

Captain Sandy Has Not Fired Bosun Iain Maclean

Captain sandy gave iain a long leash.

Captain Sandy also showed a softer side when dealing with Bosun Iain. Iain has made many little mistakes and several larger ones throughout the season that Bravo 's Captain Sandy would have seen as firable offenses in the past. Captain Sandy prompted Iain to step his game up and learn from his mistakes, as opposed to her earlier management style of booting him for causing too many issues on deck.

Captain Sandy Cried To Aesha

Captain sandy was vulnerable.

Aesha and Sandy have an established friendship since Aesha was on two seasons of Below Deck Med previously. Aesha also commented earlier in the season that she has had dinner with her boyfriend, Captain Sandy, and Leah. In season 9, Aesha was in Captain Sandy's quarters when Captain Sandy started crying and opened up about getting a phone call from Leah saying that their dog had died.

Aesha comforted Captain Sandy as she cried and showed her pictures of their beloved dog. In the eight seasons Captain Sandy has been on the show, viewers have never seen her shed a tear. The unfortunate circumstances and Captain Sandy's reaction to them gave fans a different side of the normally emotionally stoic captain. The situation made viewers see that she had real-life problems back home, just like the problems she's seen her crew go through.

Captain Sandy Will Propose To Her Fianc

Fans are seeing a different side to captain sandy.

The Below Deck Med season 9 trailer was available to viewers before the season started, and they were privy to the fact that Captain Sandy was going to propose to Leah. Captain Sandy brought her personal life on board, and fans have gotten to see her romantic side and get a glimpse into the love life that she shares with Leah. Fans had heard Captain Sandy talk to Leah on the phone before, but this dive into intermingling Captain Sandy's personal life and her role on board has never been seen before. It inserted a more human element into how she has been perceived this season.

However, off-screen, Captain Sandy dipped her relationship with former OG Below Deck captain, Captain Lee Rosbach, into negative territory that her now-wife Leah was in on. Captain Lee got offended during the time when Captain Sandy filled in for him on Below Deck season 10, over Captain Sandy not running the firing of Camille Lamb by him. In the social media display, Leah jumped in and chastised Captain Lee for not being grateful for Captain Sandy's help.

Moreover, Captain Lee did not receive an invitation to Captain Sandy's wedding. So while Captain Sandy has painted a nice picture on screen, there has been drama going on off-screen. In any case, Captain Sandy has come off as more relatable this season, and viewers have gotten more of a glimpse into a softer side of the respected captain, which has only helped her Below Deck Mediterranean reputation. It's possible fans will continue to see Captain Sandy in a better light if she keeps her approach different like she has this season.

Below Deck Mediterranean airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo.

Source: @belowdeckbravo /Instagram, Bravo /YouTube

Below Deck Mediterranean

Below Deck Mediterranean is a Bravo reality television series that follows a crew that works aboard a gigantic superyacht during the busy season. The show highlights the challenges of the crew as they serve their high-end clientele. Each season tackles new locations, such as Greece, Croatia, Italy, and France, with some repeating.

Cast Christine Drake, Kyle Viljoen, Colin Macy-O'Toole, Joo Franco, Mzi Dempers, Malia White, Hannah Ferrier, Sandy Yawn

Release Date May 3, 2016

Genres Reality-TV

Network Bravo

Franchise(s) Below Deck

Showrunner Nadine Rajabi, Courtland Cox, Mark Cronin

Main Genre Reality-TV

Creator(s) Rebecca Taylor Henning, Doug Henning, Mark Cronin

Rating TV-14

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How Captain Sandy Saved This Season of Below Deck

When Captain Lee had to step away from the St. David superyacht on this season of Below Deck , Captain Sandy Yawn ( Below Deck Mediterranean ) took the helm without a second thought. Walking onto a new boat, especially one with an already established crew, is never easy. What did she think of her new reports? She calls Tony a “superhuman,” Rachel “a boss,” and Ross an “excellent bosun” despite his “disappointing” behavior with the women onboard. And then, of course, there were Camille and Alissa. But under Yawn’s reign, she molded the crew into a dream team. As the captain for the majority of the season, Yawn developed genuine bonds and faced turmoil while at sea. By the time Captain Lee returned , Yawn had replaced two stewardesses, held her ground against a neighboring superyacht, and shaped Fraser into a star chief stew. In her final episode of the season, she passed the reins back to Captain Lee and bid a bittersweet farewell to a crew that overcame hardship under her leadership. “When people are humble, and they ask for help, I’m there for them,” Yawn said. “Period.”

What was the biggest challenge of stepping in and taking over another captain’s boat? Anytime, as a captain, you step onto someone else’s crew, it’s never an easy dance. So, you try to rise 30,000 feet and assess your people. Our ultimate goal is to provide that level of service to the client that’s paid a lot of money to be there. It’s also hard for crews to go from different management styles, so I also take that into consideration.

What were your expectations before taking over? How long did you think you were going to be onboard? Now, let’s not forget, I do have a girlfriend that’s the love of my life, and I left the day before Valentine’s Day. That’s a big sacrifice for my relationship. I was told it was only going to be a week, a couple of charters. But Captain Lee wasn’t getting better, so I had to stay longer, to the point where I just said, “I have to leave,” because Leah was having surgery. Even if Captain Lee couldn’t come back, I had to leave.

How long did you stay? Five charters.

Can deckstews ever work out? Or are they destined for failure? So, let me tell you where the deckstew came from. Small boats, right. If you’re on a 60-footer, 70-footer, under 100 feet, that person has a much smaller vessel, and that’s when they go outside and inside. Deckstew means they handle the line, they do interior, they help outside, but their main focus is interior.

On larger vessels, it’s impossible to have that person that goes in and out. Everybody needs a job description. And to try to have a person have two bosses? Try that out, see how it works for you. Doesn’t work. So that’s for small boats, it isn’t for superyachts. You’re either on deck, or you’re on interior. You can’t do both because it tears the person apart. And in this case, when you have two department heads that aren’t communicating about the person that was put in that position, that’s not fair to that person. Remember, we’re all human beings.

You’re no stranger to boatmances — what are your thoughts on Ross and Katie? The crew were really good at keeping that hidden from the captain. What are you gonna do? People hook up. I’m not there to discuss what they do in a bedroom, and those people are in an agreement. I do step in when it starts to interfere with their job.

Can you talk about your relationship with Katie? It was clear she admired you. Did you have any side conversations about being women in boating? Not onboard. After the season, I had a fundraiser and she came and she says, “You inspire me. I want to be a captain like you someday,” I say, “I’ll help you. Just call me.” She’s awesome at her job and … watching Ross, it’s like, maybe Ross needs to get some help. Because man, he is a player. I know they say, “Don’t hate the player, hate the game,” but I’m blown away. I even looked over at Lee, and I go, “Wow, I see why he’s not a captain.” Because during the season, I’m like, “You’ve been a captain before. Why did you stop being a captain?” And after watching his behavior I’m thinking, Hmmm, maybe that’s why . Very disappointing to see how he was with the ladies onboard. Just no respect for them. Or for himself in that matter … but what an excellent bosun.

There’s a line when you’re in a leadership position and as a bosun, you need to stay on the right side of it.  Yes. I don’t know if people think it’s just a frat house. It’s not. It’s an actual real job. The only difference between us and the military is — we are not in the military and we don’t have as strict rules — but we do have a code that we should follow. Come on, man, have some respect for the women onboard. But then you look at the women, and I mean, come on, have some respect for yourself. But when you add alcohol, it’s not their friend. Clearly, it’s not their friend.

Did you actually hear — and excuse me for having to repeat this — Alissa saying that you “suck deck-crew dick?” No. I mean, that’s a really good edit. But no. Don’t you think if I did, I would have called her right to the bridge? The reality is, when insubordination like that happens, and the lack of respect, I would have terminated her immediately. I would have ended her contract that day . Also, we’re filming a show, so I work with production on how to fire.

But the reality is, I would never have someone who was so disrespectful like that. I’m her superior. I can fire her. And I think when I walked in, she didn’t think I could. Everybody thought the problem was Camille. Now everybody’s saying the problem actually wasn’t Camille. The problem was Alissa, and that problem stems from Fraser and the fact that he doesn’t lead his team. He’s got to learn to lead because he should have shut that down. My chief stews in the past, they would never engage because you have to have that fine line. Otherwise people don’t respect you and your leadership role. Clearly, Alissa doesn’t. I mean, look at Hayley. She’s great. She handled it with class. But Hayley’s older, Hayley has more life experience than Alissa and Fraser. And you can see that …

You can see that difference between their reactions when they were tanning and you went up to ask why they weren’t helping Tyler. Hayley is a team player. Alissa is all about Alissa. Right? Almost narcissist behavior.

You sent Fraser such a sweet text message. Do you usually send messages like that to your crew? Fraser sent me a message first, and he said, “Thank you for being kind to me on Watch What Happens Live . It was my first chief stew job. I learned a lot from you.” A lot of times people will step into roles where they think they have to do everything, because they put so much pressure on themselves without asking for help. And I think that’s what Fraser did. When people are humble, and they ask for help, I’m there for them. Period. They’re young. I’ve been doing this for years, I’ve had a lot of crews.

When did you carve out the time to write your book, Be the Calm or Be the Storm: Leadership Lessons From a Woman at the Helm ? Three years, it took three years. I had a collaborator. She interviewed me, she interviewed a lot of my former crew before Below Deck Mediterranean , who were still very much in each other’s lives. Apart from the TV show, we spend years together. And those crew she interviewed, and they’re in my book. They talked about my leadership style.

I recorded the audiobook, and I’m listening to it, and I’m like, “ Man , I wish I would have done a better job.” It’s not easy reading a book out loud in three days. That was the hardest challenge in my life. Writing the book was emotional, invigorating. Just, you know, the memories all came back.

Do you think retirement is on the horizon? I will never retire. I got many years in front of me. Even if I won the lottery, I would still run a boat.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity .

• captain sandy

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‘Below Deck’s’ Captain Sandy Slams Italian Cops for Persecuting Superyacht Captain

Captain Sandy Yawn, the star of Below Deck , said Monday that the captain of the $40m superyacht which sank off the coast of Sicily is being made “an easy target” by Italian authorities.

Seven people, including British tech billionaire Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, died on Aug. 19, when the 184-foot Bayesian sank after being hit by a sudden and violent storm at 4 a.m. local time. Fifteen people, including the captain, James Cutfield, and all but one of the crew, survived. Autopsies are due to be soon carried out on the bodies of those who died.

On Monday Italian authorities announced they had opened a formal investigation into Cutfield for manslaughter and “negligent shipwreck”—although no formal charges may follow.

“I absolutely stand behind the captain,” Yawn told the Daily Beast. “It’s always easy to blame the captain, but on what basis? There is no evidence yet that he or his crew did anything wrong.”

Superyacht Captain Under Investigation Over Death of Billionaire Mike Lynch and Six Others

Under maritime law, Cutfield holds final responsibility for the well-being of all passengers and crew aboard the Bayesian. Police have questioned him twice, and authorities have not yet indicated whether any of the surviving crew will be placed under investigation.

“We weren’t there, and we don’t know, but I think the captain is being accused unfairly in this case,” Yawn said. “He wasn’t sailing in a storm. The boat was on anchor, and extreme, crazy weather comes out of nowhere. All captains have experienced storms when we are on anchor. That’s nothing unusual. It’s too soon for the authorities to press any charges. How could you possibly know everything in this amount of time to make any decision about the captain?”

Yawn, speaking from the Mediterranean where she is captaining a 154-foot yacht, said she had her own experience of being investigated, when she was initially blamed for a fire on board a ship in the Red Sea in 2003 .

“It was the equipment that failed,” she said. “Instead of thanking me for no lives being lost and the boat not sinking, the authorities tried to sue me and say it was my fault. I battled it for five years. The captain gets blamed every time.”

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his daughter, Hannah Lynch, pose for a photo, in this undated handout image obtained by Reuters on August 23, 2024.

Yawn said she knew the punishing toll of being under investigation. “It’s that feeling that something that you’ve worked your entire life to become can be taken away overnight for something that wasn’t your fault. It’s not this captain’s fault, it’s Mother Nature’s.

“Incidents like this might make you say ‘no’ a lot more to captaining boats, but they don’t put me off sailing. We just have to have that captain’s back. I would advise him to stick to the facts, and surround himself with people who believe in him. I’m all for this captain. I’m behind this captain. It’s not fair.”

Yawn said she had also gotten “hit by a waterspout”—a tornadic waterspout is one of the extreme meteorological phenomena possibly responsible for the Bayesian’s sinking—off Cape Canaveral, Florida.

It knocked the 67-foot vessel she was helming on to its side. “It wasn’t a sailboat, so it didn’t have a mast to break,” Yawn recalled, “but it ripped off our radar completely.

“The rain was so hard you couldn’t see the bow of the boat. There was lightning and thunder as we tried to make way back to the shore, but the storm was moving faster than the boat. I didn’t see the waterspout. I had no idea there was a waterspout inside that storm. There’s nothing you can do. Extreme weather comes out of nowhere.

Bayesian, a 56-meter-long sailboat, which later sank off the Sicilian capital Palermo, is seen in Santa Flavia, Italy August 18, 2024 in this picture obtained from social media.

“All you have is the weather you can see coming on the radar. You batten down the hatches, make sure the anchor is secure, and you ride the storm out.”

Mystery still surrounds the sinking of the Bayesian while it was anchored about half a mile off the Sicilian port of Porticello. “It drives me insane,” Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company that made the yacht, told the New York Times . “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

Yawn said the key question is why the Bayesian’s mast broke. Other questions surrounded why hatches were said to be open, which she said was likely to be windows left open for fresh air while at anchor, and what happened immediately after the storm struck, including whether emergency batteries worked and whether people got hurt trying to get out safely.

“But you can’t out-power a storm,” she said. “Who knows how strong the winds were that night. That’s why buildings collapse. Look at what tornados do to homes. Look at what happened in the Carolinas, and the house that just floated out to sea . You can’t fight Mother Nature, and sometimes Mother Nature surprises you,” she said.

The notion that a captain goes down with their ship is “something for history books,” Yawn said. “The reality is I am very sure the captain did all he could to locate as many people on board as he could, and get them to safety. I’ve always heard great things about him, I’ve never heard anything negative.”

She added, “It’s sad. I would say to him, ‘Hang in there,’ and that this industry is behind him. We believe in him, I personally don’t think it’s his fault. I think the authorities are being premature, and should maybe take a step back and get all the facts. Why so fast?

“I guarantee you, out there every captain reading about the Bayesian is saying, ‘There but for the grace of God go I.’ It could happen to any one of us.”

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Ben Platt is aca-married. 

The Pitch Perfect alum and his longtime love Noah Galvin tied the knot over the weekend in New York City, where they hosted a string of festivities for their guests across lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. 

"Our greatest hope was to give everyone a joyful, low-stress weekend full of warmth and a window into our relationship and the life that we are building,” Ben told Vogue in an interview published Sept. 4. “And we wanted the dancing to go off. We feel that all missions were accomplished!”

And the couple–who confirmed their romance in 2020 before announcing their engagement two years later—also got their ensembles pitch perfect for the big day.

In photos shared to Vogue 's Instagram Sept. 4 , Ben and Noah, both 30, coordinated all-white Thom Browne suits for their Shabbat welcome dinner at the Angel Orensanz Foundation in Manhattan, while the two wore custom bridal-inspired lace collared shirts by Arel Studio and chic white trousers standing at the altar. 

And while Noah "couldn't have asked for anything more" out of his nuptials, he admitted that he's even more excited about what comes after.

“We are still floating," he told Vogue. "And mostly we’re happy we get to keep hanging out forever.” 

Ben and Noah went from longtime friends to lovers in January 2020, three years after Noah succeeded the Theater Camp actor as the titular character in the Broadway play Dear Evan Hansen .

"We'd been friends for like five years and right before the pandemic we finally decided to, like, really give it a real shot," Ben explained on a June 2021 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show . "We'd kind of skated around it for a long time. And then it was like zero to 60."

It didn't take long for the pair to know the relationship was worth sharing with the world. After all, Noah confirmed that the two were dating in the early stages of their romance—with Ben's blessing, of course. 

"I asked him this morning, I was like, 'Are we allowed to talk about this?'" Noah confessed during a May 2020 episode of the Little Known Facts podcast. "And he's like, 'Don't go into our nitty gritty, but yeah, people can know.' It's still relatively new." 

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Bri Defends Controversial Color Beads Laundry System: "My Brain Does Get Tired"

Bri Muller finally figured out a laundry system that makes sense to her — here's how it works.

Below Deck Mediterranean   Season 9 stewardess Bri Muller  came up with a potential solution for her  ongoing laundry struggles  on Episode 14: a color beads laundry system.

Bri explained at the time that she learned about said system after seeking laundry advice on a social media page for yachties. Chief stewardess Aesha Scott and Captain Sandy Yawn  ultimately agreed that she could implement the method, and the rest was history. 

Fast-forward to the subsequent Sept. 2 episode of the Below Deck Mediterranean   After Show , during which Bri elaborated about her decision to go with the new color beads system. 

"Sometimes my brain does get tired," she began. "If you ask me to read a book or look at some numbers, that's not gonna trigger my brain as fast as it would with colors. So, I was thinking maybe colors would be better for me, let's give that a go. It's not like it's ever too late to try." 

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Bri continued: "From my experience recently, when I've gotten onto other bigger boats, they have systems that [are] already there, so you just have to follow their system. For us, it was like, immediately getting onto the boat having to clean it for the guests [...] we didn't have time." 

What is Bri Muller's color beads laundry system on Below Deck Med ?

Bri's color bead laundry system is actually quite simple. Instead of looking at the names written inside clothes (Aesha made crew members put their names on their items with a Sharpie at the beginning of the season), Bri decided to use clip-on beads with colors that were assigned to each of her crewmates. This way, she knew exactly which piece belonged to which coworker at first sight and was able to organize accordingly.

Bri Muller's laundry troubles on Below Deck Med Season 9

Fans may recall that Bri's laundry struggles — coupled with her ongoing drama involving fellow stew Elena "Ellie" Dubaich  — nearly got her fired. As Aesha put it earlier this season, "Laundry is Bri's Achilles heel."

But for a while, Aesha remained patient with Bri. The way she saw it, "If I can help her overcome that and get the squabbling sorted out, she could be a great stew. Well, a good stew. Well, a passable stew. OK, maybe she would just be a stew, but not a bad one."

Elena Dubaich Has a Surprising Message For Bri Muller After Season 9: "I Truly Regret..."

Aesha, however, lost much of her confidence in Bri as the season went on and she continued to lose articles of clothing — even Sandy's. This is what led to Bri's near-firing , but thankfully for her, Captain Sandy concluded, "In all fairness, the third stew is entry-level. I'm not gonna fire her for losing a shirt. But this, we have to correct."

The captain instructed Bri to "develop a system," and it seems as though that's exactly what she did.

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To see more Below Deck Mediterranean , tune in Mondays at 9/8c. Episodes stream the next day on Peacock.

Bravo Fan Fest and WWHL in Miami Tickets Are Selling Out — Get Yours Now!

Bravoholics are invited to take a trip to Miami for a party unlike any other!  Bravo Fan Fest hits Miami  on Saturday, November 23 for a one-day event featuring panels, activations, photo opps, and over 25 Bravolebs. Tickets are now on sale at  www.BravoFanFest.com .

Plus, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen is filming five shows from Miami on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22, so now's your chance to make your Clubhouse debut. Buy tickets for WWHL in Miami now .

Below Deck Mediterranean After Show

• Below Deck Mediterranean

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