On Deck With Sandy Yawn

The new captain in the Bravo series ‘Below Deck Mediterranean’ speaks out on her yachting career and her new gig as small-screen skipper.

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Sandy Yawn’s career on and around the water has spanned 27 years, moving from earnest boat cleaner to widely respected captain of yachts up to 157 feet. One of only a handful of female captains in the industry, Yawn has seen her share of adventure, from being chased by pirates to containing major fires on board.

Last year, Yawn’s career took a turn as she traded three dimensions for two when the producers of the Bravo television network hired her on as captain of 157-foot Heesen motoryacht Sirocco for season two of the series “Below Deck Mediterranean.” She shared with Editor-in-Chief Kenny Wooton some thoughts on her life, her new gig and what her future may bring.

Kenny Wooton: Yacht charter is the most expensive holiday people can buy. Some professionals in the yachting industry have complained that the “Below Deck” franchise is not an accurate depiction of what luxury yacht charter is really like. Are your crewmembers on “Below Deck Mediterranean” the raucous, drinking and carousing types we saw on previous “Below Deck” installments?

Sandy Yawn: The yacht industry doesn’t really want to hear the truth, but the truth is, as a yacht captain running charter boats, it’s a reality. The difference, in our professional world, is we make sure it stays below deck.