Finding The One! Below Deck Mediterranean‘s Captain Sandy Yawn has been open about her love story with girlfriend Leah Shafer.
The couple met in 2018 when the gospel singer reached out to the reality star on social media about her hit Bravo series.
“She sent me a nice message that said, ‘I came across your show, congratulations, many blessings,’” the captain recalled in an interview with The Cheat Sheet in 2019, noting that the term “many blessings” quickly caught her attention.
Ahead of her romance with the Below Deck star, Shafer was married to entertainer Ross Shafer for 20 years. They welcomed daughter Lauren before their split.
For Leah, making her relationship with Sandy public in 2019 felt like the perfect next step in their romance. “It was definitely unexpected,” she shared with the outlet at the time. “It just happened, when you meet another soul that you connect with at such a deep level, it is unexplainable and so beautiful.”
The pair continued to offer glimpses of their blossoming connection over the years. In honor of their anniversary, Sandy gushed about her partner, writing via Instagram in November 2020, “2 years ago I met this incredible soul, my true love. It’s so true couples that play together stay together. Yep this is Leah’s idea of fun, detoxing the skin with a charcoal mask!”
The Bravo star later hinted that she and Leah weren’t ruling out a walk down the aisle, telling Bravo in July 2021, “Yeah, you know, honestly, slow and steady wins the race. So, I do. I do [see marriage in the future]. I mean, who knows? Like, it’s only been two years. Just under two years, so let’s see.”
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While things were smooth sailing for Sandy in her personal life, her career ups and downs were on full display on Below Deck Mediterranean. The TV personality, who joined the Below Deck spinoff in 2017, previously broke down her unique approach to running a boat.
“Sometimes you got to be in and get your hands dirty. That’s why I want [my team] to feel supported because I have a high expectation,” Sandy exclusively told Us Weekly in July 2022. “I go in with an attitude of, ‘It is new. We’re going to have a big learning curve.”
The Be the Calm Or Be the Storm author continued: “I love giving people new opportunities. So yes, of course, when you’re under stress, things aren’t really going your way because the crew maybe don’t have the experience they say they do. I would rather have past crew that have experience that have worked with me in a perfect setting. However, that would be [selfish] on my part because I’m not giving other people opportunities. Someone gave me an opportunity, so I like to mix the new with the old. A nice balance.”
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Scroll on for a full breakdown of Sandy and Leah’s romance:
Credit: Courtesy Leah Shafer/Instagram
Below Deck Mediterranean's Captain Sandy Yawn and Leah Shafer's Relationship Timeline: From 1st Meeting to Romance
Finding The One! Below Deck Mediterranean's Captain Sandy Yawn has been open about her love story with girlfriend Leah Shafer. The couple met in 2018 when the gospel singer reached out to the reality star on social media about her hit Bravo series. “She sent me a nice message that said, ‘I came across your show, congratulations, many blessings,'” the captain recalled in an interview with The Cheat Sheet in 2019, noting that the term "many blessings" quickly caught her attention. Ahead of her romance with the Below Deck star, Shafer was married to entertainer Ross Shafer for 20 years. They welcomed daughter Lauren before their split. For Leah, making her relationship with Sandy public in 2019 felt like the perfect next step in their romance. “It was definitely unexpected,” she shared with the outlet at the time. “It just happened, when you meet another soul that you connect with at such a deep level, it is unexplainable and so beautiful.” The pair continued to offer glimpses of their blossoming connection over the years. In honor of their anniversary, Sandy gushed about her partner, writing via Instagram in November 2020, "2 years ago I met this incredible soul, my true love. It’s so true couples that play together stay together. Yep this is Leah’s idea of fun, detoxing the skin with a charcoal mask!" The Bravo star later hinted that she and Leah weren't ruling out a walk down the aisle, telling Bravo in July 2021, "Yeah, you know, honestly, slow and steady wins the race. So, I do. I do [see marriage in the future]. I mean, who knows? Like, it’s only been two years. Just under two years, so let’s see." [jwplayer h8yR3zZe-zhNYySv2] While things were smooth sailing for Sandy in her personal life, her career ups and downs were on full display on Below Deck Mediterranean. The TV personality, who joined the Below Deck spinoff in 2017, previously broke down her unique approach to running a boat. "Sometimes you got to be in and get your hands dirty. That's why I want [my team] to feel supported because I have a high expectation," Sandy exclusively told Us Weekly in July 2022. "I go in with an attitude of, ‘It is new. We're going to have a big learning curve." The Be the Calm Or Be the Storm author continued: "I love giving people new opportunities. So yes, of course, when you're under stress, things aren't really going your way because the crew maybe don't have the experience they say they do. I would rather have past crew that have experience that have worked with me in a perfect setting. However, that would be [selfish] on my part because I'm not giving other people opportunities. Someone gave me an opportunity, so I like to mix the new with the old. A nice balance." Scroll on for a full breakdown of Sandy and Leah's romance:
Credit: Courtesy Leah Shafer/Instagram
March 2018
The twosome met when Leah sent Sandy a message on Facebook. They went on their first date later that year.
Credit: Courtesy Captain Sandy Yawn/Instagram
October 2019
Leah and Sandy became Instagram official after several months together.
Credit: Courtesy Leah Shafer/Instagram
September 2020
The Below Deck star moved to Colorado to be closer to her girlfriend.
Credit: Courtesy Captain Sandy Yawn/Instagram
February 2021
Sandy and Leah shared photos from their Valentine's Day celebration.
Credit: Courtesy Captain Sandy Yawn/Instagram
March 2022
The duo were all smiles in a sweet selfie.
Credit: Courtesy Leah Shafer/Instagram
October 2022
After more than two years of dating, Sandy and Leah started their own podcast titled "Captain Sandy and Leah Rae Show."
Credit: Courtesy Captain Sandy Yawn/Instagram
November 2022
"4 years ago I parked your car in Los Angeles, I kissed you and that’s when I knew I would spend the rest of my life loving you, protecting you and teaching you what the meaning of 'do overs' meant hahah I love you Leah Rae @leahraeofficial," Sandy gushed via Instagram. "You’re my soulmate and I wanna grow old together."
Credit: Courtesy Leah Shafer/Instagram
December 2022
Leah joked in an Instagram caption that she wasn't engaged because Sandy "hasn't asked" her yet.
Credit: Captain Sandy Yawn/Instagram
January 2023
Sandy's short stint on season 10 of Below Deck made headlines when Captain Lee questioned her decisions. At the time, Leah defended her girlfriend after Lee said he wasn't thrilled that Sandy didn't keep him up to date.
"She has more than good manners and has been nothing but kind and supportive. Not sure why you are tweeting all of this. She left me and our home to come and take over until you were well. We pray for you and your family still and always wish you well," she tweeted in response to the Michigan native's comments.
Credit: Courtesy Captain Sandy/Twitter
January 2023
"Home is where the heart is 😍 #Love," Sandy wrote alongside a photo of her and Leah getting cozy in front of their future house.
Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock
February 2023
During an interview with Us, Sandy opened up about making her relationship work long distance.
"We're figuring it out. We're madly in love," she gushed. "Leah and I just were in Miami together and I'm like, 'We need to go once a month. We need that time.' We're three-day people. So three days is perfect and that's our goal. In those three days, it's all about us and the phones are off, which is great."
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FAQs
What does Leah Shafer do for a living? ›
A Mom, Professional Singer, Owner of Skin By Leah, makeup artist, dog lover, partner to Captain Sandy Yawn LGBTQ.
Who is Captain Sandy's love life? ›Below Deck Mediterranean's Captain Sandy Yawn has been open about her love story with girlfriend Leah Shafer. The couple met in 2018 when the gospel singer reached out to the reality star on social media about her hit Bravo series.
What is Captain Sandy salary? ›But the mega bucks go to the top dogs, Captain Lee and Captain Sandy, who on a 185-foot superyacht make between $150-$210,000 a year.
What is Malia White doing now? ›White has worked her way up from being a green deckhand to an Officer of the Watch, after being awarded her certification. As reported by Bravo TV, she has been awarded her qualification to become an Officer of the Watch, making her one of the most high-profile women in the industry to hold this prestigious title.
Who is Leah Shafer partner? ›Below Deck star Captain Sandy Yawn gushes about singer girlfriend Leah Shafer in new book as she gives rare insight into their relationship. Below Deck star Captain Sandy Yawn has gushed about the impact of her relationship with gospel singer, Leah Shafer, in her newly released book.
Is Sandy Below Deck a man? ›Captain Sandy's impressive bio came long before her Below Deck fame. Fort Lauderdale native Captain Sandy is one of only a handful of female captains in yachting today.
What was Captain Sandy's addiction? ›She opened up about her struggle with alcohol abuse during Season 4 of the show after she became concerned with Travis Michalzik's drinking. “The only place I'm coming from is compassion because I've been there. It's addiction,” she told Travis at the time.
How much do charter guests pay on Below Deck? ›The yachts in Below Deck Mediterranean are Ionan Princess in season 1, Sirocco in season 2 and 4, Talisman Maiton in season 3, The Wellington in season 5 and Lady Michelle in season 6. How much does it cost to charter a yacht from Below Deck? The cheaper yachts from Below Deck can be chartered for $140,000 a week.
Is Captain Glenn married? ›"Neither of us [is] married nor engaged, but I can report we are very much in love, and for us, that's what counts.
Is Captain Sandy in a relationship? ›Captain Sandy Yawn is cheering on her girlfriend, Leah Shafer, as she makes a major career “pivot.” In a recent Instagram Story, the Below Deck Mediterranean boss shared a photo of Leah showing off her latest accomplishment, and — here's a hint — it's a rather beautiful one.
Do Below Deck staff get paid? ›
The Below Deck Crew Makes A Salary & An Appearance Fee
The deckhands usually make around $3,500-$4,500 a month, while a bosun would make a little bit more at approximately $5,000 a month. However, don't forget at the end of every charter, the whole crew even receives tips from the guests in addition to their salary.
The first officer would assume command of the vessel, all essential crew sleep on board, 1st officer, and 2 engineers. Production crew sleep off the boat and work in shifts. There are no charters that are not filmed. I hope this helps.
Is Malia missing a finger? ›I lost it in an axe-ident! Lol seriously." Malia confirmed in another comment that the accident occurred when she was 4 years old. When another commenter suggested that Malia "could tattoo [a] nail" to her finger, she said, "I actually have a nail that is painted!
Why didn't Malia come back? ›Malia told the Metro part of her decision not to return to the show was because she been involved in a scooter accident shortly before the filming of season seven was due to begin.
Are Malia and Sandy still friends? ›Captain Sandy Yawn and Malia White haven't worked on the same ship since Below Deck Mediterranean Season 6, but their friendship is still in a good place. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen back in July 2022, Sandy shared that she was “still in contact” with the former bosun.
Where does Leah Shafer live? ›They Live Together In Denver
Since then, the couple has been living happily together in Denver, where Leah's 15-year-old daughter also lives. Before Sandy, who is on a motivational tour, and Leah started dating, Leah was married for more than 20 years to Ross Shafer, with whom she shares her daughter.
Leah Shafer is a former staff writer for Usable Knowledge.
Is Ross Shafer married? › Does Sandy from Below Deck drink alcohol? ›In the years since she's eliminated alcohol, Yawn is living her dreams and “Below Deck Mediterranean” is currently airing its seventh season on Bravo.
Is Captain Sandy Yawn a real captain? ›Captain Sandra Yawn is a world-renowned captain in the yachting industry with over 30 years of experience.
Is Sandy from Below Deck sober? ›
She committed to sobriety and found the path that led to Below Deck — and the fans who've been asking for years to know more about her story and her approach to leadership, both on and off a superyacht. "I wanted to show people that you can change," Yawn tells PEOPLE.
Which Below Deck cast had drugs? ›Below Deck Mediterranean star Hannah Ferrier is defending herself after she was accused on of stashing drugs aboard the yacht. On Monday night's episode of the hit Bravo series, bosun Malia White reported Ferrier, the ship's chief stewardess, to Captain Sandy Yawn for having Valium and a weed pen in their cabin.
Why was Captain Sandy so mean to Hannah? ›' The stewardess also said Sandy was envious because she had a much larger social media following. 'It's that competitiveness, kind of wanting to be the fan favourite,' she explained.
Why did Captain Sandy sack Hannah? ›Hannah Ferrier was a Chief Stew on Below Deck Mediterranean since Season 1 and lasted until Season 5 when she was fired by Captain Sandy Yawn. Captain Sandy took issue with the Australian taking Valium on board, violating maritime laws concerning contraband.
What is the biggest tip on Below Deck? ›'Below Deck' Crew Just Scored Their Biggest Tip Ever – and Bested Timothy Sykes' Record. Captain Lee Rosbach has always begrudgingly said that Below Deck guest Timothy Sykes delivered the highest tip ever. Sykes tipped the Below Deck Season 5 crew $35,000, after initially appearing on Below Deck Season 2.
Who pays for crew night out on Below Deck? ›Guests really do pay for their charter.
"They spend their real money to be on the show," executive producer Mark Cronin told Bravo TV. But since it may not be the most relaxing trip, guests that are featured on the reality show get a 50% discount on their charter.
Based on past seasons of the show, the cost of a 3-day charter on a luxury yacht can range anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 or more.
Who got pregnant on Below Deck? ›Dani Soares was featured on Bravo TV's cast in Season 2 but ultimately left after finding out she was pregnant. Here's everything you need to know about what happened to Dani from Below Deck Sailing Yacht. The Sailing Yacht spinoff show is among the most popular from Bravo and has been renewed for Season 4 in 2023.
Is Daisy from Below Deck pregnant? ›In the first episode of Season 7, it is revealed that Daisy is pregnant but is not sure who the father is. After doing a paternity test, it is confirmed that Rob is in fact the father of Daisy's baby.
Who is Storm new girlfriend? ›Storm has since gone public with girlfriend Chloe Griffin, who happens to be a chief stew on a superyacht. During a post-finale appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Natalya and Below Deck Adventure chief stew Faye Clarke talked about the Below Deck Med romance.
Was Camille fired from Below Deck? ›
Camille Lamb was fired from the Below Deck Season 10 crew by Captain Sandy Yawn, after she replaced Captain Lee mid-charter season. Lamb was a constant source of drama and worked between the interior and exterior teams.
Do Below Deck guests pay full price? ›The charter guests you see on the show are genuine charter guests. They pay their own money to secure a space within the six weeks of filming time each season. It can cost tens of thousands of dollars to charter any of the superyachts featured in the series.
Who pays for the food on Below Deck? ›Unlike other professions that require workers to pay their own rent, car, gas, food, etc., yachting means that nearly all of your expenses are covered. Deckhand Rhylee Gerber from Inside Deck Seasons 6 and 7 told Showbiz Cheat Sheet in 2019 that boat owner will go an extra mile to cover crew costs.
Do Below Deck captains get tips? ›The tips come on top of a regular salary, which differs based on job. A chief stew, reportedly, earns between $62,000 and $75,000 per charter season on a Below Deck-sized yacht (most of the vessels on the show are in the 150-foot range).
Who cooks for crew on Below Deck? ›Chef Marcos Spaziani made his reality-TV debut on season three of "Below Deck Sailing Yacht." Spaziani told Insider there are some things he wishes guests understood before making food requests.
Did a guest not tip on Below Deck? ›Below Deck: Crew Received No Tip Only One Time In All Franchise Seasons. Below Deck fans may remember that the crew received no tip once. That was because Captain Lee kicked the guests off the yacht for breaking rules. The Below Deck crew received no tip only once.
Do yacht crew sleep with guests? ›Most crew members sleep in cabins, sharing their space with complete strangers, which means privacy is severely lacking. Most yacht crew must share bathrooms which can get interesting at the best of times!
Was Captain Sandy in the military? ›She received a Master of Oceans All Oceans license from the United States Coast Guard. Captain Sandy has led yacht charters in New England, the Bahamas, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf.
Where does the camera crew on Below Deck sleep? ›The first officer would assume command of the vessel, all essential crew sleep on board, 1st officer, and 2 engineers. Production crew sleep off the boat and work in shifts. There are no charters that are not filmed. I hope this helps.
What is Captain Sandy Yawn doing now? ›The Below Deck Mediterranean captain, who, most recently, temporarily took over for Captain Lee Rosbach while he dealt with health issues on Below Deck Season 10, revealed that her next career move is starting a charitable organization that is "in the spirit of supporting and empowering women."
Is Captain Lee married? ›
Did Captain Sandy have an accident? ›Bravo's Captain Sandy marks 8 years since accident that led to kidney cancer discovery. The “Below Deck Mediterranean” star reflects on what turned out to be a life-saving event.
Who sent the picture to Captain Sandy? ›Below Deck Med's Hannah Ferrier slams Malia White for exposing her 'prescription' drugs to Captain Sandy before firing. BELOW Deck Mediterranean's Malia White was revealed to be the person who sent Captain Sandy Yawn a picture of Hannah Ferrier's prescription drugs and weed pen.
Did Captain Sandy attend college? ›Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sandy Yawn attended high school in Brandon before going to get her degree for marine training at the Maritime Professional Training Institute in her hometown.
How did Captain Sandy meet Leah? ›They met via Facebook and chatted for a while before deciding to go on a date in Los Angeles, where Captain Sandy lived at the time. The captain knew it was love, so she uprooted her life to move to Denver, where Leah lived with her daughter and the rest of her family.
How old is Ross Shafer? › Who is Leah Shaffer gospel singer? ›Leah Shager is a gospel singer who has been making music for over 20 years. She has released 7 albums, and her latest, Leah Shager Live, debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Gospel charts. She has toured the world, performing at churches, festivals, and concerts, and has been featured on TV and radio programs.