Leah Shafer Applauds Captain Sandy Yawn’s Leadership in Below Deck Mediterranean Season 9 Finale Proposal

The popular Bravo reality TV series, Below Deck Mediterranean, wrapped up its season 9 on September 23, 2024, with a memorable finale where Captain Sandy Yawn got engaged to her partner, Leah Shafer.

In a planned romantic proposal, Captain Sandy collaborated with her deckhand, Joe Bradley, during the season finale. However, unforeseen weather challenges left Joe worried that he may have disrupted Sandy’s carefully arranged plan, especially after their boat got caught in the props. Despite the chaos, Captain Sandy remained calm and took charge, guiding Joe in untangling the vessel.

Post-engagement, Leah Shafer shared her thoughts with Entertainment Weekly regarding Sandy’s leadership during the challenging situation. She noted that she truly witnessed Sandy’s exceptional leadership skills when she helped Joe.

“Sandy was so great, and this is where I witnessed her leadership,”Leah expressed in her interview.

Below Deck Mediterranean, which has been airing on Bravo since 2016, showcases the dynamics and experiences of crew members working on luxurious superyachts during the charter season, diving deep into both their personal and professional lives.

What transpired during Captain Sandy Yawn’s proposal in the Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 finale

Sandy and Leah’s relationship started in 2019, when Leah, an avid fan of Below Deck, reached out to Sandy on social media to congratulate her on the show. Their connection blossomed into a relationship, which the show has featured, including glimpses of their wedding celebration attended by fellow Below Deck cast members.

The season 9 finale brought viewers one of the series’ most heartfelt moments, which almost turned into a disaster. Initially, Captain Sandy orchestrated an intricate proposal with Joe Bradley’s assistance, aiming for a breathtaking sunset on the beach. However, adverse weather resulted in complications, leading to Joe panicking when the tender boat got entangled while attempting to reach the shore.

“This is a massive f— up. My God, have I just ruined the captain’s day?”Joe exclaimed.

Displaying her calm under pressure, Captain Sandy intervened, aiding Joe in detangling the boat’s lines. Leah later remarked on how impressed she was by Sandy’s composure and ability to guide Joe without making him feel awkward. She noted that she had often seen Sandy’s caring nature on the show but felt she witnessed it fully before the proposal.

Once they reached the beach, Leah realized this was more than just a date; the crew’s excitement added to the surprise. She noticed Chief Stew Aesha Scott moved to tears, which heightened her anticipation. The atmosphere built to a thrilling peak when Leah saw Sandy fumbling with the engagement ring in her pocket, leading to a moment filled with emotion and joy.

The Surprise Proposal

Reflecting on the events, Leah was overwhelmed with happiness as Sandy ultimately proposed, solidifying a memorable moment in the Below Deck Mediterranean season finale.

Behind the Scenes & Beyond

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on September 23, 2024, Captain Sandy expressed excitement about sharing this special moment with fans, describing the episode as “pretty special,”since viewers seldom see her emotional on screen.

“You never see me emotional on the show [except] maybe a few times with the crew…When you’re on TV you think, ‘Oh my God, just don’t lose it.’”

Sandy shared that her decision to incorporate the proposal into the show came after discussions with showrunner Nadine Rajabi, acknowledging that the series played a pivotal role in bringing her and Leah together.

Looking ahead, Sandy hopes to see Leah featured more prominently on Below Deck Mediterranean, as her comfort with filming might lead to exciting adventures together on screen. Sandy remarked that they are “happy and in love,”and that Leah is not “afraid of the camera,”with a respect for the production process.

To catch more episodes of Below Deck Mediterranean, tune in to Bravo, with episodes also available for streaming on Peacock.

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