In Conversation With: Captain Sandy Yawn of Below Deck

We spoke with Captain Sandy Yawn, a trailblazing veteran captain in the yachting industry and a captain on Bravo’s Below Deck. With over 30 years of experience at sea and a passion for empowering women in the industry, Captain Sandy has become an inspiration to many and has recently started Captain Sandy’s Charities to help inform others about the advantages of entering the yachting industry.

How did you get into the yachting industry?
I answered an ad in the newspaper under the Help Wanted ads. I found a job to be a boat washer. That’s how we found jobs back in the day. That was in 1980 in Bradenton, Florida, when I was 15 years young.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
It means that if not for the women who have gone before me — the list is vast just Google it 😉.  Now it’s my turn to give back and assist with helping women make it in the Maritime Industry.

What is one piece of advice you would give women wanting to get into the yachting industry?
Invest in your career journey by using your own money to get your STCW courses out of the way. Do the work before you step on board so you become an asset, not a liability. Work hard, it will not go unnoticed, I promise you. Keep your head up and pay attention and ask to assist when your work is done. Go the extra mile.

What inspired you to start Captain Sandy’s Charities and who does it benefit?
My life as a strong-willed youth with drug and alcohol-related issues, jail time, and lack of a high school diploma was turned around by the yachting industry. I’ve become one of the most recognized, revered, and honored members of the yachting community with skills sought by CEOs and mega yacht owners. Out of gratitude and the desire to help people discover and develop their strengths, Captain Sandy’s Charities was born.

With Captain Sandy’s Charities, I want to inform young people about the advantages of entering the maritime/yachting industry, regardless of completing high school or college. The marine industry is welcoming to people of all backgrounds, provided they display integrity, reliability and a willingness to grow. 

How can people support Captain Sandy’s Charities?
To support Captain Sandy’s Charities, visit: https://captainsandyyawn.com/donate/

What is the biggest benefit Below Deck has brought to our industry?
It shows millions of viewers across the globe that there is a world they never knew existed that they could be a part of.  It shows that you can charter a yacht of all sizes and the cost is varied and that their kids can have a career in the Maritime Industry. Bravo has inspired millions of viewers that we are so much more than a reality TV series. We are a travel show and we showcase jobs, yachts, service style and most importantly the food 😉

What is one tip for first-time charter guests?
Spend time on your preference sheet and make sure you have all the requirements on there regarding food, locations and themes you want to have on board so the crew has time to prepare for your ultimate vacation and have a blast!

What is your favorite cruising destination and why?
I love the Western Mediterranean. It offers so many different romantic locations. It’s vast and the history is one of my favorites. If I had to pick one location, it would be the South of France. I also love the Amalfi Coast and so many others! So hard to choose, so I’m sticking with the Western Mediterranean. 😊

If you had a yacht, what type of yacht would you have?
Well, if it’s a superyacht I would love to have a 50m no bigger because I want to be able to dock anywhere! The builder choice would be one that is more sustainable and innovative. I love the ocean and the sea and I want to also protect it as much as possible.

What is your most memorable Below Deck experience?
Docking in St Tropez. The producers made it seem like it was beyond anything they had ever seen, and for us Captains, it was just another day in the Mediterranean.