In conversation: Below Deck's Captain Sandy Yawn shares her insight on yacht charter

The truth is I answered an ad in the newspaper! So funny because this was a dream unrealized.

I started out on a private yacht and worked on one for 10 years. It was a corporate vessel which was like chartering- but without the tip! 

Of course. On a private yacht, you have the same guests all the time, so you get to know what they expect. On a charter vessel, you have different guests all the time and you need to conform and adjust to their every need. 

My gender. I have been turned down for jobs because I am a woman. It's so shocking to me that there are few woman on deck today. If it wasn't for Below Deck I believe we would have even fewer women in yachting. I love that the show always has a female on deck.

What can I say, it's a fact! I treat them how I would want to be treated, and that's how I lead the crew. Full stop.

Below Deck is the best thing that has happened to our industry since Zero Speed Stabilizers! I love that it reaches middle America. Not only does it show its possible to charter a vessel but as you know we are at a deficit of good crew. What we need now more than ever is crew. I feel like I'm in the best industry in the world and I want it to continue to thrive.

The shipyards are aging out of some of the best tradesmen and women ever and they need young personnel who want to work hard and learn. Below Deck has opened the eyes of people all over the world. Bravo Network as a whole is an incredible bunch of people who I've grown to love over time. They care about how our industry is portrayed and they always want to elevate us. I work with the producers and they would never ask me to do anything that would jeopardize our safety or security. They do care. 

The only part that is different is that Below Deck shows short charters. As you are aware, the crew really do act like you see on Below Deck, and as Captains, it's our job to to manage their behavior. It's part of the job. It's as real as it gets!

Tuscan Sun was laid out for charter. The stew area was out of the way of the chef area, the cabins could be serviced through a hidden door that led to the crew quarters and it has 3 bars. For a 45 meter vessel, it felt like a 50 meter. The sundeck is the best part of the vessel. It has a wrap-around bar so the guest can sit across from each other and chat instead of turning their heads. The grill is placed out of the way but close enough to serve the food hot. 

I get this question often, and I like to ask; "What are you in the mood for?" Romance, history, beauty, a sexy setting, a scene where you can have some epic sundowners with a cool vibe?  Or maybe you want an incredibly rich art history, a party that goes all night and some of the best tapas on the planet. In order that would be Italy, France and Spain. But the list goes on with many other countries.

As you know, there are so many incredible places to cruise and I must admit when my friends ask me where they should go I always ask what they're looking for. But for me personally; I love Greece, the Bahamas. America has an incredible waterway system and miles of coast with loads of places to stop and hang. Croatia is at the top of my list as well. I guess you can say my favorite is where I haven't been yet! 

I would always recommend eating on board the vessel you chartered. The yacht is the restaurant and the chef is most likely better than any land-based restaurant. Now- if you are on land and not on a yacht then the list is vast; Europe has some of the world's best restaurants. I personally like the family-owned restaurants and little tavernas. They have the most charm and character.

I personally prefer the Mediterranean. I grew up in Florida, born and raised, and in the early days of my boating career, I spent all my time in the blue waters of the Bahamas and Caribbean. I do love this region- it's like a paradise on earth! However, I love the rich culture and history the Med has to offer too. I love learning about the history of each place we are lucky enough to visit. I feel so blessed to be in this industry for that reason. 

I had a one month charter where we departed from the South of France to deliver to Venice, Italy. From there, we cruised down the coast of Croatia, stopping in Montenegro and then passing through the Corinth Canal and cruising Greece. It was EPIC!