Summary
CaptainSandy Yawnhas been at the helm ofBelow Deck Mediterraneanfor years, but here’s why she’s the best captain in theBelow Deckfranchise. Growing up in a boating family, she developed an early interest in the yachting industry. Sandy began her illustrious career over three decades ago, starting from deckhand positions and working her way up. She holds an International Maritime Organization Master of Yachts 200-ton license, along with several other certifications that qualify her to command large yachts.
Sandy’s extensive experience before joiningBelow Deck Mediterraneanin 2017 includes captaining vessels ranging from sailboats to mega-yachts, and she is renowned for her ability to handle high-pressure situations and her deep knowledge of maritime operations. Openly gay, Sandy has been in a relationship with gospel singer and motivational speaker Leah Shafer since 2018, and the pair got married on July 01, 2025. Also a cancer survivor, theBelow Deck Medseason 9star advocates for awareness and treatment of the disease.
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Captain Sandy Advocates For Women In Yachting
Representation Is Key
Sandy is a passionate advocate for women in the yachting industry. She has faced and overcome significant gender-based challenges throughout her career. For instance, she has been turned down for captain positions simply because she is a woman, as noted in an interview withMarina Life. Despite these obstacles,Captain Sandy has made it a mission to mentor and support aspiring female yacht professionalsabove and below deck.
Captain Sandy has highlighted the importance of representation in male-dominated industries, including yachting.
OutsideBelow Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandy also serves on various advisory councils and professional organizations, including the Captain’s Advisory Council for the SeaKeepers Society and the International Super Yachts Society. Her involvement in these groups allows her to advocate for gender equality. Furthermore, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Captain Sandy is a positive representation in the industry.
Captain Sandy’s Leadership Style Works Well
She Strikes The Right Balance
Captain Sandy’s leadership style is highly effective, characterized by her management skills, hands-on approach, and ability to inspire her crew members. She is known for her proactive involvement in all aspects of yacht operations, often stepping in to assist her crew with tasks ranging from handling technical issues to cleaning. She was willing to comfortBri Muller as she dealt with Elena DubaichonBelow Deck Mediterraneanseason 9 andworked with Chef Jono Shillingford to improve his skills.
Captain Sandy has also spoken about safety as a top priority and works closely with the production team to ensure that the show’s activities do not compromise the safety and security of the crew and guests. She’s also a strong advocate for mentorship and empowering her crew members, providing constructive feedback, encouraging professional growth, and supporting them in overcoming challenges.Captain Sandy’s patience with Chef Jonowas especially paramount.
Captain Lee was the picture-perfect captain onBelow Deck, but now that he’s gone, Captain Sandy has filled his shoes. Captain Kerry Titheradge can be too micromanaging, and Captain Glenn Shepard can be a little too laid-back. The first female captain in the franchise strikes that balance, making her the best leader in theBelow Deckfranchise. Her leadership onBelow Deck Mediterraneanwill lead to a successful charter season.
Below Deck Mediterraneanairs on Mondays at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
Below Deck Mediterranean
Cast
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.
