Captain Sandy Opens Up About Season 8 Drama on Below Deck Med: Exploring Kyle's Conflicts and Luka's Missteps (Exclusive)
Captain Sandy shares her exclusive thoughts on the explosive moments of Below Deck Med season 8, including Kyle's numerous feuds and Luka's costly mistakes Discover the inside scoop on the drama that unfolded aboard the luxurious yacht
Captain Sandy Yawn is not aware of the drama on Below Deck Mediterranean until it airs, and she is currently catching up on the events of season 8. In an exclusive interview with We, Sandy discussed the major moments of the season, including Kyle Viljoen's multiple conflicts since joining the Mustique as the second stew.
"Alcohol seemed to fuel Kyle’s clashes with Max Salvador, causing tension with Natalya Scudder and others. The captain noted that Kyle’s disputes might have been influenced by alcohol during their partnership with Azuna. Despite this, the captain recognized Kyle’s positive qualities, likening him to Tumi Mhlongo and Natalya and Max." During the filming of season 8, Kyle’s conflicts with coworkers, including Natalya, led to her departure from the boat, prompting the captain to have a conversation with Kyle about his behavior.
“Moments happen when people are in that mode psychologically. I think Kyle probably regrets it. I’m sure Kyle regrets a lot and I think he’s actually admitted it on social media,” Sandy noted to Us. “That’s what I really like about Kyle is that he does own it after he does it. If he could just prevent it [though] because he has no filter. Sometimes you can think stuff but just don’t use those words because it does impact other lives.”
Captain Sandy Yawn Fred Jagueneau/Bravo
Despite Kyle’s issues while on board, Sandy said she “would work” with him again.
"I'm willing to work with all of them because everyone deserves a chance to change. How will you know if they're capable of change if you don't give them the opportunity to prove it?" she said. "They won't change unless given the chance. I'm determined to give everyone the opportunity to show me that they can change."
Adding to her point, Sandy said: "Drama happens when you place people in a confined space, working relentlessly. Afterwards, they go out and let loose, and emotions come pouring out. Alcohol removes inhibitions, leading to regretful actions. I'm sure many of them feel that way."
The interior team faced various challenges throughout the season, from disagreements between Natalya and Tumi to newcomer Lily Davison not pulling her weight. Despite this, Sandy was committed to showing grace and patience to everyone.
"Every season brings surprises. Working and living together is not easy, so I give them a lot of credit for enduring it all," she stated. "Lily was fantastic and a joy to have on board. I really appreciate all of them. However, Ruan Irving, who falsified his documents, is an exception. I could never trust him again after what he did."
Luka Mulholland Fred Jagueneau/Bravo
Season 8 presented its own set of challenges, with both the bosun and chief stew being new to their roles. Sandy mentioned that Luka used the experience to gain a better understanding of the responsibilities of a bosun, while Tumi focused on developing her leadership skills.
According to Sandy, "For Tumi, this was her first time as a chief stew. It was a learning experience for her, and she grew wiser along the way. I believe Tumi began to see Kyle as the central figure in the storm. This was a period of growth for Tumi, and I have no doubt that she will continue to excel in her career. She's exceptional, and I would welcome her back without hesitation."
Sandy had nothing but praise for Luka, despite his struggles with tasks like organizing the deck crew schedule.
"Let's not forget that Luka had never been a bosun before," she said. "Given the circumstances he was thrown into, I believe he did the best he could. He rose to the occasion and earned the respect of his deck team. It's a learning curve, and nobody is perfect right off the bat. He had to learn from when I got upset with him and understand the severity of the situation. We all make mistakes, and it's through experiencing the severity of those mistakes that we learn what not to do next time. I didn't become a captain without making mistakes."
Captain Sandy Yawn and Luka Mulholland Fred Jagueneau/Bravo
In the most recent Below Deck Med episode, aired on Monday, December 11, viewers were shocked as a guest went down to the crew quarters and opened doors to people's rooms. Captain Sandy, however, was unfazed, drawing on her years of experience in the yachting industry.
"I've been doing this a long time. The crew's privacy is important, and usually when you address the issue, the person stops. In this case, that's exactly what happened," she explained to Us. "We had a conversation about it, and they realized their mistake. They regretted it. It's like, 'I wish I never went down those stairs again.'"
Sandy's passion for yachting has led to her strong commitment to the welfare of her crew and her boats. Azuna, developed by her friend Scott Dancy, provides natural tea tree oil, a product that the TV personality wholeheartedly endorses.
"We've always used tea tree oil on yachts. We apply it at the base of air conditioners to eliminate odors and bacteria. It effectively neutralizes mold, mildew, and other unpleasant odors to promote the health and well-being of our team on board," she told Us. "We recognized the need for a more secure product that doesn't spill, so we created T/T Marine, designed for boats and specifically for Azuna."
Sandy isn’t only thrilled by the products but by the people behind the company as well.
Deal of the Day
17 Rich-Looking Fashion Pieces That Are Secretly on Sale
Check out this amazing deal with Azuna and T/T Marine! I chose these companies because they work and have great people involved. The team behind the company makes their products solid and effective in eliminating odors. Smelly odors can make or break a boat deal, and these products can make all the difference.
Below Deck Mediterranean airs on Bravo Mondays at 9 p.m. ET.
