
Captain Sandra Yawn (“Captain Sandy”) is a leader, hero, international speaker and businesswoman, whose exceptional leadership style has helped her to break through every obstacle in her path – from the glass ceilings and near-fatal accidents on land to pirates and fires at sea!
As a renowned superyacht captain with over 30 years of international maritime experience, Yawn’s integrity and courage have earned her an outstanding reputation as an elite class of captain, and recognition from the International Superyacht Society, who bestowed upon her the prestigious Distinguished Crew Award for her bravery in the midst of a catastrophic fire and pirate threat that occurred in 2006 off the coast of Yemen.
Tapping into her signature conviction and affinity for adventure, Yawn charted a brand new course in 2015 when she became a series lead on Bravo’s hit series Below Deck Mediterranean.
Captain Sandy has spoken all over the world to leadership groups, diversity organizations, global brands and maritime groups big and small. Her story of becoming one of the most well known and few female superyacht captains in the world with only a high school degree amazes people.
Her story of overcoming obstacles personally, physically and illnesses such as cancer has only hardened Captain Sandy’s resolve to not be overlooked or pushed to the side. Her passion for leadership, fairness, and organization has lead to rave reviews from companies such as JP Morgan, Amazon and others.
Captain Sandy’s story of overcoming addiction and finding herself is so enlightening to so many. As a gay woman Captain Sandy identified with so many others that for years weren’t sure if they could be themselves free and out in the open to enjoy love in the way she saw fit.
Captain Sandy can speak to any group from colleges, corporations or diversity groups.
Categories: Health Care - Inspiration / Survivor, Health Care - Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery, Inspiration, Leadership, LGBTQ+, New to AEISpeakers