S18 MIDSEASON BONUS! Captain Sandy from Below Deck on surviving addiction, pirates - and reality TV
Oct 13, 2023
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Captain Sandra Yawn, of Below Deck Med fame, shares her riveting tale of resilience and courage. She discusses battling alcoholism, rising through the ranks in a male-dominated industry, surviving cancer and an attack by pirates, and the lessons she's learned from being on reality TV.
Captain Sandy's story showcases resilience and courage in overcoming addiction and becoming a successful yacht captain.
Being a female superyacht captain in a male-dominated industry involves constant pressure, navigating rough seas, and managing high expectations.
Captain Sandy's journey in the maritime industry saved her life, emphasizing the importance of taking risks, embracing opportunities, and remaining teachable.
Deep dives
Overcoming adversity and finding strength in failure
Captain Sandy Yawn shares her incredible story of resilience, from surviving addiction and cancer to becoming a super yacht captain. Despite facing numerous challenges, Captain Sandy's experiences have made her stronger and more determined to succeed. She emphasizes the importance of learning from failure and embracing the opportunities to grow and improve.
The high-pressure environment of being a yacht captain
Captain Sandy discusses the unique challenges of being a yacht captain, particularly in a male-dominated field. She highlights the constant pressure to ensure the safety of the crew and the guests, navigating through rough seas, and managing the high expectations of luxury yacht charters. Despite the challenges, Captain Sandy's unflappable calm under pressure and strong leadership skills have made her a respected figure in the industry.
Personal growth and finding purpose in the maritime industry
Captain Sandy reflects on how her career in the maritime industry saved her life and provided her with a sense of purpose. She discusses the hands-on learning and the opportunities to grow and develop new skills. Captain Sandy advocates for taking risks, embracing opportunities, and remaining teachable in order to continue learning and improving in one's professional journey.
Overcoming addiction and living a life of sobriety
Captain Sandy opens up about her struggle with addiction, highlighting the impact it had on her life and how she eventually found recovery through the 12-step program. She shares the importance of seeking outside help and not giving up on oneself or others who are struggling with addiction. Captain Sandy emphasizes the value of service, giving back, and remaining accountable for one's actions.
The realities and pressures of reality television
Captain Sandy reflects on her experience being part of reality TV and how it affects her life and relationships. She discusses the challenges of managing the different personas of being a captain and being herself. Captain Sandy also shares her observations about the nature of reality TV and how it can be both entertaining and impactful.
Look, most of you know I love reality TV. And some of you might know that I love Below Deck so much I snuck in a mention of it in my latest novel. So when I was offered the chance to meet the legend that is Captain Sandra Yawn, of Below Deck Med fame, I jumped at it. (Luckily, not overboard). Even if you've never watched a single episode of Below Deck, Capt. Sandy's story is a riveting tale of resilience and courage. As a teenager, she struggled with alcoholism and almost ended up in jail. Instead, she started working on boats - and saved her own life in the process. She rose through the ranks of the maritime industry to become one of the only female superyacht captains in a field dominated by men. She joins me to talk about this, as well as failing to realise her early potential, growing up gay but not feeling able to live her truth, surviving both cancer and an attack by pirates, as well as what she's learned about herself from reality TV. And yes, I ask some niche Below Deck questions because WHY WOULDN'T I? (This chat was recorded before the new season started, btw, and obviously I'm slavishly watching each episode as soon as it drops).
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The new season of Below Deck Mediterranean is available to watch on Hayu.