Below Deck’s Captain Sandy and Leah Shafer Talk Future – ‘I’m Going to Be With Her Forever’ (Exclusive)
Captain Sandy Yawn from Below Deck Mediterranean and girlfriend Leah Shafer said getting engaged someday is in the cards as they build a future together.
The couple has been together for three years and they plan to eventually relocate to Florida and possibly get engaged – someday. “I say yes,” Yawn told Showbiz Cheat Sheet about marriage. “But Leah is like, well, her divorce is just final. She’s very cautious. I get it.”
Leah Shafer says she doesn’t need a piece of paper to be happy in love with Captain Sandy
While Shafer may not be quite ready to say “I do” again, she said she doesn’t need a marriage certificate to remind her she’s the happiest she’s ever been in love. “Sandy will have to be the one to make that move,” Shafer said. “And it will have to be really planned out and like amazing and big.” She joked, “Come in on a parachute.”
Yawn laughed thinking of the big proposal. But Shafer said. “I would have a weed wrapped around my finger because I love her. I had the big ring and it didn’t mean anything. And I love her and I know I’m going to be with her forever.”
Captain Sandy and Leah Shafer hope to eventually relocate to Florida
In the meantime, Yawn and Shafer are busy building their home in Jacksonville, Florida, and running their businesses. “We’re still building the house in Florida, in the Jacksonville area,” Shafer said. “[Daughter] Lolo has two more years left of school, so we’ll move to Florida after she graduates. I’m working on building Hydralounge, possibly into a franchise situation. And I’d like to open one in Florida. So that’s just like I’m thinking more like consistent income. I love the beauty industry. And I’ll always sing.”
“Honestly, it’s like just enjoying life,” Yawn said. “You can get caught up in so many different things and you’re like, ‘Wait a minute, what’s really important here?’ You know, what’s important is quality time with your family, your loved ones, and your animals. And you know, Leah and I said, ‘Hey, let’s don’t spend money on things, let’s spend money on experiences.’ So we’re going to Aspen for New Year’s. Then we’re going to Florida for Christmas. And then we’re doing Gay Ski Week. I’m going to be a judge at Aspen Gay Ski Week, which is always fun.”
The couple says they learn from one another
Yawn and Shafer said their partnership is a sweet learning and growth experience. “She teaches me,” Shafer said. “You know how the yachting industry is where everything is in its place right? Everything is not in its place in my closet. So she helps me simplify. I have a more simple life. You don’t need as much stuff.”
“We better each other,” Shafer continued.
“Definitely,” Yawn replied. “We uplift each other.” She added, “And we laugh. Oh My God, I took a drink of water and almost spit it all over the car [from laughing so hard]. So isn’t laughter the best medicine? Laughter, some music. And in between, some disagreements, but not a lot. But we laugh. Like that’s one thing we do well together is crack up laughing.”
In addition to upcoming events, Yawn will be on a national tour. Shafer will join her when she can get away. Check Captain Sandy Yawn’s Lead-Her-Ship website for an updated tour schedule. Tickets are also available via Ticketmaster.
