Captain Sandy Yawn was part of these below deck franchise since 2013, and she is married to her wife, Leah Shaffer. Captain Sandy first led her crew across the Mediterranean in season 2. She has since made a name for herself in the world of yachting for her leadership skills and her ability to overcome any obstacle that comes her way. One thing that isn’t historically highlighted in the series, however, is what goes on in her life when the cameras are off. Captain Sandy isn’t afraid to show Leah off to the world.
Captain Sandy has been open about her sexuality during her time on Bravo, although she refuses to apply a strict label to herself. Sandy said she has loved both men and women in the past, and she doesn’t want to be put in a box because of her personal, emotional decisions. She also claimed that it is difficult to find love as a yacht captainEspecially since she spends so much time at sea. After all, she couldn’t resist falling for Leah when the gospel singer came into her life.
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The beginning of Captain Sandy and Leah’s relationship
It started with a DM
Captain Sandy first opened up about her now-girlfriend in May 2019 (via Cheat page). she said The two met online after Leah direct messaged her on Facebook Another episode of Below Deck: Mediterranean. The message was short and sweet, as Leah shared how much she enjoyed the episode and sent her best wishes to the captain.
Of course, the communication didn’t end there, as Sandy looked into Leah’s background and revealed she is a gospel singer. God is very important to Sandy, so she was immediately drawn to Leah. At the time, Sandy was preparing to go on her “I Believe” tour which centered around inspiring and motivating people with lessons of leadership and empowerment. Sandy Felt would be a perfect addition to the tour.
Captain Sandy & Leah face controversy
their same-sex relationship
When Sandy and Leah met in person, they quickly fell in love. They described their relationship as a “spiritual connection.” However, things have not always been easy for the couple.
The couple came under fire over their same-sex relationship and religious beliefs. Leah mentioned how some religious institutions have decided to no longer support her since she went public with her relationship with the yachting captain.
However, Leah doesn’t let that stop her from who and what she loves. she said, “It’s looked against him, he loves the same sex. I think you can’t help who you fall in love with. God is love. He doesn’t care.” The couple continues to remain as strong as ever, even as Sandy sails oceans across the world.
Before Captain Sandy, Leah was married to a man – motivational speaker Ross Shafer – for 20 years. The couple have a now 15-year-old daughter, LaurenRae, whom they adopted in 2006. Leah’s musical background is nothing to be ashamed of. In her gospel singing career, She has released approximately six albums. She also regularly performs the national anthem at Denver Broncos games. The team even described her as their lucky charm.
Since Leah and Captain Sandy first started dating, Sandy actually wound up moving to Denver to be closer to the gospel singer. Being closer helped strengthen their bond and the pair discovered they had many common interests, including their shared love of music. Leah and Sandy are even working on a musical collaboration of some sort.
Speaking about Sandy and their relationship, Leah said: “And then, of course, the attraction and fall in love with a beautiful soul and know you want to be with someone forever.”
Captain Sandy and Leah are now married
Their engagement was featured in Below Deck Med season 9
In the trailer for Below Deck Med In season 9, fans learned that Captain Sandy had the intention of proposing to Leia. As the charter season unfolded, Sandy confided to Chief Stu and friend Aesha Scott her desire to propose to Leah, which she said wasn’t coming. She asked Aesha for help in creating the perfect proposal setting and moment. During the season, viewers also saw a different, more personal side to Sandy and Leah’s relationship after Sandy yelled at Aesha about her and Leah’s dog.
Captain Sandy and Leah were able to comfort each other over the loss, and Leah came aboard Maruticht Mustique a short time later. below deck Viewers witnessed Sandy’s dreamy proposal to Leah on a Greek pier, surrounded by the cast of Below Deck Med Season 9. Fans got to see a different side of the formidable captain this season, and Sandy and Leah are married now after the season. They got married in May 2024 And very much enjoyed their special day that was attended below deck Aluminum, minus Captain Lee Rosbach.
Captain Sandy and Leah seem like a match made in heaven though Their 9-year age difference And Captain Sandy’s need to be at sea a lot of the time. They seem to have a comfortable home as in Denver and make Sandy’s appearance in the Below Deck Med Franchise work for them. They seem to have good communication and are there for each other, even though they have to spend a lot of time apart. Now that they’re married and Leah has been properly introduced to the show, it’s possible fans could see more of Sandy and Leah together on screen.
Below deck Mediterranean Airs Mondays at 9 PM ET on Bravo.
Source: Cheat page