Captain Sandy Yawn is celebrating a milestone few reality TV stars ever reach: 10 seasons at the helm of Below Deck Mediterranean. Though she didn’t join the Bravo series until Season 2, she’s been steering the yacht through a decade of rough seas, challenging guests, and ever-changing crew dynamics.
“It’s been incredible,” Sandy exclusively tells Parade ahead of the Season 10 premiere. “The journey is so rewarding. I get to meet people from different walks of life, and I get to drive a different boat every season. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Of course, the Florida native admits her leadership style has evolved over the years. “Absolutely. Every time I watch myself back, I think about how I can improve. I want my crew to hear me, not shut down. I want to reach their hearts because I really want to help change lives,” she says. “I’m not easy, I’m fair, but I also have the fun factor. My job is to earn their respect.”
This season starts off particularly rocky with a first charter riddled with mistakes from the fresh crew. “I had a lot of green crew, so yes, it was a challenge,” she explains. “You want at least some experience on board. Nathan [Gallagher], for example, was thrown into something he had never done before. Big learning curve.”
Nathan, who first impressed fans as a deckhand last season, is now stepping into the big bosun position – and it doesn’t get off to a great start. “I wasn’t worried at all,” she still says of promoting him. “Nathan is excellent at line-handling. The hardest part is letting go of control and trusting others, but he didn’t want to let me down. I can’t wait to see his growth this season.”
Meanwhile, Sandy can always count on longtime Chief Stew Aesha Scott, who has been a staple of the franchise since Season 4. “With Aesha, I don’t have to worry,” Sandy tells Parade. “She’s attentive to guests, knows how to handle requests, and runs the interior seamlessly. That’s not always the case. I’ve seen expensive clothes ruined before! With Aesha, I know it’s handled.”
The superyacht captain also weighed in on how Below Deck has changed the yachting industry. “The show has opened doors. It’s brought attention to beautiful countries, boosted tourism, and shown people this industry even exists,” she explains. “Bravo really changed that for us. People in Middle America now realize you don’t have to live by the water to find a career at sea.”
BELOW DECK MEDITERRANEAN — Pictured: Aesha Scott — (Photo by: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo)
And while the industry was once critical of the Bravo hit, Sandy believes minds have shifted. “Yes, 1000 percent,” she says. “There are those who still resist, but let’s see what they would choose if it landed in their lap.”
What really challenged her this season wasn’t the crew or the guests — it was the elements. “The weather, she teases. “Barcelona has a straight coastline with not many places to hide. Even with great stabilizers, the boat couldn’t keep up with the waves.”
After 10 seasons, Sandy is just grateful to keep doing what she loves. “It’s such a wonderful journey,” she says. “I’ve enjoyed every minute.”
Below Deck Mediterranean premieres on Bravo Monday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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