Sandy Yawn

Yawn has more than 30 years of international maritime experience and holds United States Coast Guard Masters of Oceans 1600T/3000T credentials, along with United States Coast Guard and Maritime Coast Guard Agency Class IV CEC certification. Her work has included chartering yachts from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf, and she has described her leadership approach as hands-on and focused on teachable moments.

She became the captain of Below Deck Mediterranean in 2016, after Mike Howard captained the first season. The Bravo reality series follows yacht crews serving charter guests in destinations including Greece, Croatia, Italy, and France. Yawn's television work has also included appearances on The Doctors, The Jennifer Hudson Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Wheel, and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

Yawn is an international motivational speaker whose topics include leadership, resilience, growth mindset, and change. Her book, Be the Calm or Be the Storm: Leadership Lessons from a Woman at the Helm, presents lessons drawn from her maritime career and personal challenges.

Yawn grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where boating and life on the water became part of her upbringing. She attended Brandon High School before pursuing maritime education. She has spoken about earlier struggles with drug and alcohol misuse and says she is now sober.

Her life has also included a life-threatening motorcycle accident, cancer, and the threat of pirates while working at sea. She discussed her cancer and health experiences on The Doctors, and her kidney cancer was described as being in remission during the ninth season of Below Deck Mediterranean.

In 2006, Yawn received the Distinguished Crew Award from the International Super Yacht Society after helping protect guests, crew members, and a vessel during a catastrophic fire off the coast of Yemen. She has also served as a member of the Captain's Advisory Council for SeaKeepers Society and as a member of the International Super Yachts Society, the United States Super Yacht Association, and the Professional Yachting Association.

Captain Lee Rosbach and Yawn were associated through the Below Deck franchise, and Yawn temporarily took over for Rosbach during the tenth season after he left because of medical issues. During that stint, she dismissed stewardess Camille Lamb without first consulting Rosbach, a decision that became a source of tension between the two captains.

The disagreement continued through public comments about Yawn's leadership decisions. Their professional relationship became a notable part of the wider Below Deck story, alongside Yawn's role as a captain who mentors and manages crew members under demanding charter conditions.

Yawn has been married to gospel singer Leah Shafer since May 11, 2024. The couple met online through Facebook and had dated for several years before marrying. They settled in Denver, Colorado.

Yawn has said that she has been attracted to both women and men. She and Shafer have also faced criticism connected to their relationship and religious beliefs, while continuing their partnership.

Yawn supports ocean advocacy, philanthropic collaboration, and children's education. She has been an active board member or adviser for philanthropic groups, including the Jacksonville School for Autism.

The organization was founded by Yawn's sister for her nephew, Nicholas. Yawn has used her professional experiences and personal trials to promote resilience, health education, and leadership.