Below Deck: 8 Times Captain Sandy Shook Off Her Negative Reputation (& Won Fans Over)

Summary Captain Sandy Yawn faced challenges but rose above them to become a beloved captain.

She supports her crew, values their potential, and handles issues with empathy.

Captain Sandy's LGBTQ+ marriage with Leah Shafer humanized her and positioned her as an advocate.

Captain Sandy Yawn has been an incredible captain on Below Deck Mediterranean, but she still had to shake off a negative reputation and win fans over. The Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 captain has become a cornerstone of the series, even earning a reputation as one of the best Below Deck captains. However, she's still faced her fair share of controversy, including accusations of poor crew performance in Below Deck Mediterranean season 9. Despite blows to her reputation, Captain Sandy manages to bounce back time and time again.

Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 has tested Captain Sandy's limits. Her problems began with Chef Jono Shillingford's lackluster kitchen skills, including serving bland meals and cold eggs. Despite Chef Jono's rising to the occasion in the latter half of the season, other crew members drop the ball. Bri Muller and Elena Dubaich can't seem to settle their feud, and Bosun Iain Maclean has proved his incompetency aboard the Mustique. Amid a poorly performing crew, how has Captain Sandy saved her reputation in the past?

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8 Captain Sandy Stood Up For Herself Against Captain Lee

She Called Him Out For Misogyny

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Captain Lee Rosbach made his opinions on Captain Sandy's decision-making in Below Deck season 10 known, but Captain Sandy defended herself in a way that endeared her to viewers. Despite their different styles, Captain Sandy and Captain Lee have enjoyed successful careers in the industry. However, they became embroiled in a feud.

Captain Sandy isn't afraid of calling out men in the industry for bad behavior, even Captain Lee.

Captain Sandy stepped in for Captain Lee amid medical issues in Below Deck season 10, maintaining a smooth operation and even making the controversial decision to fire crew member Camille Lamb. Although Captain Lee appreciated her help, he publicly criticized her for not informing him about the firing beforehand and criticized her decision. Instead of standing down, Captain Sandy called out Captain Lee for misogynistic behavior, noting that his actions are reflective of a broader issue in the yachting industry where men often undermine women in leadership roles. Her position in the yachting industry makes her outspoken nature important.

7 Captain Sandy Built Malia White Up

She Became Below Deck's First Female Bosun

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While Captain Sandy and Malia White undoubtedly got caught up in the drama surrounding Hannah Ferrier's firing, Captain Sandy overcame her negative reputation was her support of Malia's career. Malia joined the crew of Below Deck Mediterranean season 2 as a deckhand. Her strong work ethic and determination quickly caught Captain Sandy's eye. Despite Malia's inexperience, Captain Sandy recognized her potential early on and took her under her wing.

As Malia proved herself onboard, Captain Sandy promoted her to lead deckhand, and in season 5, Captain Sandy brought Malia back as the first female bosun in the show's history. This was a groundbreaking moment for Malia and the franchise, as it showcased gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated role. Captain Sandy's confidence in Malia's abilities was instrumental in this promotion. She consistently advocates for women in yachting, making Captain Sandy a hero of the franchise.

6 Captain Sandy Stepped In To Help Chef Dave White

She Was Patient With Him

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Captain Sandy's assistance to Chef Dave White on Below Deck Mediterranean was a notable example of her leadership and problem-solving skills, proving her ability to redeem herself. When Chef Dave faced challenges in the galley, including issues with timing and dish execution, Captain Sandy stayed patient and stepped in to provide guidance and support. Captain Sandy communicated effectively with the entire crew, ensuring they understood the importance of supporting Chef Dave during meal times.

Captain Sandy believes in the underdog and gives second chances because she was given the grace to learn and grow when she first entered the yachting industry.

Additionally, she offered constructive feedback and encouraged open communication between the chef and the crew, which helped Chef Dave streamline his processes and regain confidence. Captain Sandy's intervention not only improved the overall dining experience for the guests but also brought the crew closer together. While she's currently being criticized for poor crew performance, Captain Sandy's ability to recognize and address issues without jumping straight to firing is what makes her a great leader.

5 Captain Sandy Told Joe Bradley She Believed In Him

She Took Him Off The Lead Deckhand Position

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The crew hasn't been up to Captain Sandy's standards on Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, but that hasn't stopped her from supporting and nurturing her struggling crew members. After being named the lead deckhand by Iain, Joe Bradley wasn't performing up to standard. Captain Sandy lamented that Iain had picked the wrong person for the job and swapped him for Nathan Gallagher, saying, "I watched how he worked on the bow. He's quick. He's worked the deck before. It's just like night and day between the two. Joe has what it takes, Joe just needs more experience."

"I watched how he worked on the bow. He's quick. He's worked the deck before. It's just like night and day between the two. Joe has what it takes, Joe just needs more experience."

Despite needing to demote Joe, she maintained her support for the deckhand, engaging in a private conversation with the downtrodden yachtie. Captain Sandy took the opportunity to directly tell Joe she believed in his abilities. This moment was significant for Joe, who is still relatively new to yachting. Captain Sandy's mentorship approach aims to build confidence and competence in her crew members, which makes her seem too patient sometimes. However, by acknowledging Joe's efforts and potential, she will help him grow.

4 Captain Sandy Lets Her Deck Crew Drive The Boat

She Trusts Her Skilled Deck Crew

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Captain Sandy is known for her hands-on leadership style on Below Deck Mediterranean, allowing her crew members to take the helm. During season 3, Captain Sandy allowed Bosun Conrad Empson to drive the yacht during a docking, proving her trust in crew members. Notably, Captain Sandy put tremendous trust in Bosun João Franco to take the wheel, even during anchor drops. She also let Malia drive the boat under supervision after she was promoted to the bosun position.

It can be difficult for captains to relinquish control, as evidenced by Captain Kerry Titheradge's micromanagement style in Below Deck season 11. However, Captain Sandy understands that for crew members to grow, they need to be taught about all aspects of running a yacht. She puts her trust in only her most worthy deckhands and bosuns, instructing them in skills that will enrich their future careers.

3 Captain Sandy Was Kind To Bri Muller

She Showed Empathy In A Difficult Situation

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Bri and Ellie's feud on Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 has lasted nearly the entire season, but Captain Sandy was empathetic towards Bri amid the drama. After seeing the third stew in tears, Captain Sandy spoke in a caring manner towards Bri, encouraging her to stand up for herself, rise above issues, and take ownership of her growth. Captain Sandy was previously displeased with Bri's inability to do the laundry correctly, caused by her distraction from Ellie.

Chief Stew Aesha Scott even had to deal with a "burn book" situation in which Bri wrote down everything done in the laundry, seemingly framing Ellie for poor performance. However, Captain Sandy rose above their issues. She could've yelled at Bri or fired her outright, but Captain Sandy wanted to give Bri a chance because she was given many chances when she joined the yachting industry. Her patience might be wearing thin, but Captain Sandy showed empathy towards Bri. It's a sign of her calm and effective leadership.

2 Captain Sandy Got Married To Leah Shafer

Leah Is The Love Of Her Life

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While it can be difficult to please everyone onboard, Captain Sandy's personal life has made her more endearing. Captain Sandy married her longtime girlfriend Leah Shafer in May 2024 on a superyacht. The captain's relationship with Leah humanized her, as did sharing personal aspects of her life. Captain Sandy is one of the more approachable captains in the Below Deck franchise anyway, but her vulnerability is appealing to cast members. Additionally, Leah has been vocal about her support for Sandy, publicly defending her and helping her overcome negativity.

Furthermore, Captain Sandy and Leah’s marriage has also positioned Sandy as a highly visible and positive LGBTQ+ advocate. Captain Sandy has long advocated for women in the yachting industry, but her relationship is also an example of a loving LGBTQ+ relationship, setting an example for visibility and positivity in the community. Leah has made Captain Sandy an endearing figure, even when she receives criticism.

1 Captain Sandy Didn't Stand For Insubordination

She Is Understanding Without Being A Pushover

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Captain Sandy is empathetic and understanding, but she never stands for insubordination. In Below Deck Mediterranean season 5, she promptly fired Hannah for having an unregistered CBD vape pen and Valium in her possession, standing by maritime rules amid controversy. Additionally, Captain Sandy didn't allow insubordination when some members of the crew questioned Malia's leadership as the bosun. She stood behind Malia and insisted upon the chain of command. Captain Sandy also had to keep controversial Chef Tom Checketts in line after acting erratically and disrespectfully towards the crew, putting her foot down.

Like any Below Deck captain, Sandy has faced her fair share of criticism and controversy. However, as a skilled woman in a male-dominated industry, Captain Sandy always manages to rise above negative criticism. She might be facing accusations of a poor-performing crew in Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, but Captain Sandy always has a reason for her actions. That's why she's still one of the best captains in the Below Deck franchise.

Below Deck Mediterranean airs on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and streams the next day on Peacock.