Captain Sandy Yawn

Captain Sandy Yawn is a superyacht captain recognized for her extensive career in the maritime industry. With more than 30 years of international maritime experience, Yawn began her career as a deckhand and advanced through the ranks to obtain her captain's license. She holds a United States Coast Guard Masters of Oceans 1600T/3000T and a United States Coast Guard and Maritime Coast Guard Agency Class IV CEC.

Yawn's leadership during emergencies has been acknowledged by the International Superyacht Society, which honored her with the Distinguished Crew Award for her actions during a fire and pirate threat off the coast of Yemen. She has served as a member of the Captain's Advisory Council for SeaKeepers Society, International Super Yachts Society, United States Super Yacht Association, and the Professional Yachting Association.

In television, Yawn became the first female captain featured on Bravo's "Below Deck Mediterranean," where she navigated the 154-foot Sirocco and provided viewers with insights into yacht management, client service, and crew dynamics. Her leadership style emphasizes training and education within the yachting industry.

Yawn has shared her experiences overcoming challenges such as a motorcycle accident, a fire onboard a superyacht, a pirate encounter, and cancer. She appeared on the Emmy Award-winning talk show "The Doctors" to discuss health and cancer awareness. Her book, "Be the Calm or Be the Storm: Leadership Lessons from a Woman at the Helm," explores leadership and critical thinking skills relevant to maritime professionals and those in other industries.

Yawn speaks to leadership groups, global brands, maritime organizations, and diversity groups, addressing topics such as boating, perseverance, women in leadership, travel, and ocean life.