Captain Sandy’s Age, Career, Instagram, and More Details from Below Deck Mediterranean

As Below Deck Mediterranean kicks off its highly anticipated season 9, fans are in for a whirlwind of new, thrilling adventures. The latest episodes, available the following day on Peacock, promise stunning views and captivating relational dynamics.

One of the central figures in the series is Captain Sandy Yawn. If you’re wondering about her age, the answer is straightforward: Captain Sandy Yawn was born on February 23, 1964, which makes her 59 years old currently.

This season, the crew is confronted with unparalleled challenges, from catering to demanding guests and tackling unpredictable weather to addressing internal conflicts.

With new team members onboard, fresh dynamics unfold, putting Captain Sandy’s leadership skills to the test as she strives to maintain harmony aboard the vessel.

All About Captain Sandy from Below Deck Mediterranean

Early Life and Career Highlights

Captain Sandy Yawn grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She completed her high school education in Brandon and pursued maritime training at the Maritime Professional Training Institute, honing crucial skills and knowledge for a successful career at sea.

Throughout her more than 30-year career, Yawn has garnered several accolades, including the International Superyacht Society’s Distinguished Crew Award in 2006 for her bravery amidst a fire and pirate threat near Yemen.

Her strong leadership, integrity, and courageous spirit have positioned her as a respected captain within the superyacht sector.

These qualities paved the way for her entry into reality television in 2015, when she joined Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean for its second season. Since then, she has expertly guided her crew through numerous charter seasons in breathtaking locations such as Greece, Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain.

Personal Journey

During her time on Below Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandy has been candid about her personal challenges and victories. She has openly discussed her journey to sobriety, revealing her past battle with alcoholism before embracing a sober lifestyle.

In August 2021, she celebrated 33 years of sobriety, marking a significant milestone in her life.

Since May 2019, Captain Sandy has been in a relationship with gospel singer Leah Shafer. The two began their romance in 2018 when Shafer reached out to Yawn on social media regarding her Bravo series.

Their relationship flourished, with Shafer visiting Sandy and the crew during their stay in Athens, Greece, the setting for the upcoming season.

In an emotional moment, the season 9 trailer for Below Deck Mediterranean showcases Sandy proposing to Leah. Yawn got down on one knee, and Shafer joyfully responded with “YESSSSS,”as highlighted on Sandy’s Instagram in September 2023.

Representation and Marriage

In an interview with TODAY.com, Captain Sandy shared her motivations for portraying her relationship with Leah on television. She hopes that their story serves as an inspiring example and enhances visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

Sandy emphasized the significance of showcasing that professional women, including those involved in same-sex relationships, can lead fulfilling lives. She stated,

“That’s exactly why, because I think it’s important that people see that professional women can — same-sex, right — have a great life, and these preconceived ideas really are not accurate,…We wanted to show that — I did. Not really Leah — like, that wasn’t a thing for her — but for me it was, I think because I’m on TV.”

On May 11, Captain Sandy Yawn and Leah Shafer exchanged vows in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, aboard a superyacht, reinforcing their strong maritime ties.

The wedding was attended by several prominent figures from the Below Deck franchise, including Kate Chastain, “Med”chief stew Aesha Scott, and former “Med”chef Dave White.

Don’t miss out on the luxurious adventures, drama, and excitement on the high seas! Tune in to Bravo every Monday at 9 pm ET/PT for all-new episodes of Below Deck Mediterranean season 9. New episodes premiere the following day on Peacock.

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