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The Daily Dish Below Deck Mediterranean

Captain Sandy Yawn Celebrates 32 Years of Sobriety

The Below Deck Med captain is "forever grateful" to those who have supported her along the way.

By Laura Rosenfeld

Captain Sandy Yawn commemorated her 32 years of sobriety in a post on Instagram on August 30.

How to Watch

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The Below Deck Mediterranean captain opened up about her journey in a post that featured a photo of herself, her girlfriend, Leah Shafer, and friend Randi Gold holding up fingers to signify Captain Sandy's 32-year accomplishment. "32 years clean today. Staying clean one day at a time has been an incredible journey. 32 years ago today they told me if I don’t pick up a drug or drink that I would live a life beyond my wildest dreams," Captain Sandy said. "That has happened and continues to happen even when times are hard, no matter what, I don’t pick up!"

Captain Sandy concluded the post by showing gratitude to everyone who has supported her along the way. "Thank you to all my friends that have helped me along this wild and courageous ride of sobriety. I’m forever grateful," Captain Sandy wrote. "Thank you #God!"

Leah also applauded Captain Sandy for hitting this milestone in a post on Instagram. "I'm so proud of you @captainsandrayawn for being 32 years sober today! [I] love you beyond words! And @randigold1 to witness your friendship with Sandy is beautiful!" Leah shared in the post. "[I'm] so blessed to know you!"

Captain Sandy opened up about her struggle with alcohol abuse in Season 4 of Below Deck Med. "Alcoholism runs in my family. When I add alcohol, I cannot predict my behavior," she said in an interview during one Season 4 episode. "As a result, I would get in a car and drink and drive. I was always in the hospital. I woke up one day and said, 'I want it different.'"

Captain Sandy shared her story as she spoke with deckhand Travis Michalzik about his drinking. "In my career, I've helped many people who have drinking problems. I'm one of those people. And I grew up in a state where, at 17 years old, you could drink. And we had drive-through daiquiri bars. You could drive through, order your daiquiri, and drive away," she said in the Below Deck Mediterranean Season 4 After Show, which you can view, above. "I kept getting arrested, drinking and driving. And then one day, I finally woke up and said, 'I want off the merry-go-round.' And then I reached out for help. So when I smelled alcohol on [Travis'] breath, we started talking, and it was such an organic, beautiful conversation. I just wanted him to know that I'm here, and I could help him get help if that's what he wanted."

Watch Captain Sandy and Travis' Season 4 heart-to-heart, below.

Captain Sandy Yawn Opens Up About Her Past Abuse of Alcohol

Photo: Getty Images

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