Inside the Turbulent Journey of Below Deck's Captain Lee Rosbach and Captain Sandy Yawn: Unveiling Their Intense Bravo Collab and Brewing Conflict

Content: Captain Lee Rosbach and Captain Sandy Yawn, from Below Deck, were once amicable until their participation in the Bravo franchise caused a rift. Introduced to viewers in 2013 on the first season of Below Deck, the reality series centers around the lives of crew members on a superyacht. Captain Lee, a native of Michigan, has remained the captain of the original show since its inception.

Sandy gained fame among Bravo fans when she replaced Captain Mark Howard on Below Deck Mediterranean, becoming a household name. She made her debut on the spinoff series in 2017.

In 2021, the author of Running Against the Tide shared that he and his costar from the franchise were on good terms. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, he expressed, "We're great. We simply enjoy each other's company and have a fantastic time together."

In the next year, Sandy joined Below Deck season 10 as a replacement, offering viewers a glimpse of her interactions with Lee.

"Thank you for coming. I appreciate your willingness to join us on short notice. I will make every effort to return promptly and relieve you," Lee expressed to Sandy in a December 2022 episode, just before he departed St. David's due to health issues.

The swap was the first captain crossover in Below Deck history, and Sandy acknowledged the responsibility that came with filling in for Lee. "Taking over for another captain is always challenging," she expressed in a confessional. "I just hope Captain Lee knows that I have his back. I'm here to take care of his boat and his crew until he returns."

Behind the scenes, their partnership took an unforeseen twist when Lee raised concerns about Sandy's leadership. The original Below Deck star alleged that his colleague failed to inform him about stew Camille Lamb's termination after her departure aired in January 2023.

"So, I discovered afterwards that she had fired one of my crew members, instead of doing it beforehand. Alright?" he tweeted at that time.

After speaking with Camille, Sandy phoned Lee, but he wasn't exactly pleased with how everything played out on camera.

"Why contact me afterwards to tell me at all? There was plenty of time to call me before. She made the right decision, but lacked proper procedure and respect. That's just my style," he continued at the time. "If I were temporarily replacing Capt Sandy on her boat and felt the need to fire one of her crew members, I would have first called her to explain my actions and the reasoning behind them. I agree with her decision, just not how she handled it."

In response to being called out by Lee, Sandy seemingly reacted by sharing a cryptic quote on social media: "If someone treats you poorly, remember that it says more about them than it does about you. Normal people don't go around destroying others."

Scroll down to relive Lee and Sandy’s ups and downs:

Credit: Bravo(2)

Below Deck's Captain Lee Rosbach and Captain Sandy Yawn's Ups and Downs Over the Years: From Bravo Coworkers to Potential Feud

Is there trouble on the horizon? The amicable relationship between Below Deck's Captain Lee Rosbach and Captain Sandy Yawn seems to have soured since their involvement in the Bravo franchise.

Lee made his debut in the first season of Below Deck back in 2013. As the captain of a superyacht, the show chronicles the lives of the crew members and Lee has been leading the original series ever since.

Sandy gained fame among Bravo fans when she replaced Captain Mark Howard on Below Deck Mediterranean. The Florida native made her debut on the spinoff series in 2017.

In 2021, the author of "Running Against the Tide" disclosed that he had a good relationship with his fellow cast member from the franchise. "We're doing great," he shared during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. "We truly enjoy each other's company."

In the next year, Sandy joined Below Deck season 10, offering a glimpse into their interactions as Lee's replacement. In a December 2022 episode, before leaving St. David's due to health concerns, Lee expressed gratitude and stated his intention to return promptly to relieve Sandy.

Content: The swap was significant as it marked the first time a captain crossed over in Below Deck history. Sandy acknowledged the challenges that come with replacing Captain Lee and expressed her desire to support him. She stated, "Assuming the role of another Captain is never an easy task. My main goal is to provide Captain Lee with the assurance that I am taking care of his boat and crew until his return."

However, things took an unexpected turn off screen when Lee questioned Sandy's effectiveness as a leader. The original Below Deck star revealed that his colleague had failed to inform him about the dismissal of stew Camille Lamb, which was broadcasted in January 2023.

"So, I later discovered that she had fired one of my crew members, but I came to know about it after the incident occurred. Okay?" he tweeted at the specific moment.

After conversing with Camille, Sandy contacted Lee, but he wasn't pleased with how the situation played out on camera.

"Why did you choose to contact me afterwards and inform me? There was plenty of time to call me beforehand. She made the right decision, but lacked proper procedure and respect. That's just my way of doing things," he continued at that time. "If I had been temporarily replacing Capt Sandy on her boat and felt the need to fire one of her crew members, I would have called her first to explain my actions and the reasons behind them. I agree with her choice, just not how she handled it."

In response to being called out by Lee, Sandy seemingly expressed her feelings by sharing a cryptic quote on social media, which stated: "If someone mistreats you, remember that the problem lies with them, not you. Normal people don't go around ruining others."

Scroll down to relive Lee and Sandy's ups and downs:

Credit: Laurent Bassett/Bravo

June 2019

When asked about Ashton Pienaar's accident in season 6, Sandy defended Lee, empathizing with his emotional response. "I understood exactly what Captain Lee must have felt. The mere thought of taking someone's life would make anyone want to collapse. It's important to remember that it was not his fault," she conveyed on WWHL. "I believe that continuous training is crucial, especially when dealing with a fresh crew that hasn't been properly trained. Our roles are highly demanding."

Credit: Laurent Bassett/Bravo

January 2020

During Below Deck's 100th episode celebration on WWHL, Lee expressed his support for Sandy when asked about her performance. He emphasized that he wasn't playing devil's advocate in this situation and genuinely empathized with her struggles. Lee acknowledged that some of the situations Sandy encounters are unjust and biased, creating an unfair environment for her.

He stated, "Given that she operates in a heavily male-dominated industry, she has undoubtedly faced numerous challenges. I can only imagine the hardships she has experienced, but I strive to empathize with her situation."

Credit: Phil McCarten/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

October 2020

During season 5 of Below Deck Med, Hannah Ferrier was discovered to have Valium and a CBD vape pen in her possession, prompting Sandy to make the challenging decision to release her from the crew.

Following this decision, Lee raised doubts after Hannah revealed she had a valid prescription. In 2020, he expressed on WWHL, "When you possess a medication legally prescribed to you by a licensed, practicing doctor, captains do not possess the authority to deny you that right. We should acknowledge that we are not medical professionals."

Credit: Todd Williamson/Bravo

June 2021

Sandy caused quite a stir when she openly criticized Lee for urging a guest to leave the boat. During a scene in season 8, the captain of My Seanna made it clear that she would not proceed with the charter after Delores Flora decided to go for an unauthorized late-night swim while under the influence.

"I wasn't there, but I would never talk to a guest like that," Sandy told Andy Cohen during an interview, referring to how Lee put his foot down before Delores was removed.

Credit: MJ Photos/Shutterstock

June 2021

During an interview with Captain Glenn Shephard, Lee and Sandy reminisced about their past while discussing the premiere of Below Deck Sailing Yacht on Bravo.

"Sandy and I go way back, as we were both docked at Hall of Fame Marina around 20 years ago," revealed Lee on Bravo's YouTube channel. In response, Sandy added, "Back then, I was operating 67 to 70-footers, which were considered quite sizable at the time."

Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo

December 2022

"Captain Lee and I have a long history," the star of Below Deck Med shared with the cameras, discussing the moment he took over from Lee. "When I learned about Captain Lee's situation, I felt awful. Nobody wants to step away because they can't handle it physically."

Expressing his gratitude, the captain of St. David's wrote on Twitter, "I am thankful for Capt Sandy who stepped in and helped me out in a challenging situation. I truly appreciate her efforts."

Sandy replied, "It's what we do. So glad to see you in much better health now. Stay Well my friend."

Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo

December 2022

Lee expressed his gratitude for the tremendous support he received during an interview with People, acknowledging the challenging position he unintentionally put his colleague in. Taking charge of someone else's boat and crew is already a daunting task, but when combined with the pressure of filming a TV show and uncertainty surrounding Lee's return, it becomes even more difficult. Lee wholeheartedly appreciates the tremendous effort his colleague put forth in navigating this challenging situation.

He went on to say, "I am greatly indebted to her for the fact that she willingly took the initiative, embraced the challenge, and carried out my instructions. Her willingness to step up and handle the situation speaks volumes about her character."

Credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Bravo

January 2023

Lee expressed his surprise at being left out of the loop after witnessing Camille's termination on television. "I have no problem with Camille facing the consequences she deserved. That was never the issue for me," he shared on Twitter. "What disappoints me is the fact that many fail to recognize this, and I apologize for that. I didn't expect Sandy to seek my permission; I simply wanted to be informed, just a quick phone call as you mentioned, as a matter of courtesy."

Lee also explained his decision to address his concerns on the internet, responding to a supporter, "She did it on television in front of a large audience without consulting me. That does not seem private to me in any way."

Credit: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

January 2023

Eagle-eyed followers noticed that Sandy shared a cryptic quote one day after Lee's complaints made headlines, that seemingly responds to the drama. "Hurt people hurt others, but luckily, healed people heal others. Safe people, shelter others," her message read. "Free spirits, free others. Enlightened people, illuminate others. And love always wins. So shine your light of love on all who may cross your path in life, because what you do matters."

Sandy's enigmatic message, shared just a day after Lee's complaints caused a stir in the media, caught the attention of astute observers. It appeared to be a direct response to the controversy, conveying a thoughtful perspective. Her words conveyed the idea that people who have experienced hurt tend to inflict it on others, but the fortunate ones, who have healed, have the power to heal others. Similarly, individuals who are safe provide shelter for those in need. Free-spirited people liberate others, and enlightened souls illuminate the lives of others. Ultimately, love triumphs, and it is important to radiate love to everyone who crosses our path, knowing that our actions hold significance.

Credit: Laurent Bassett/Bravo

February 2023

Sandy, dismissing her lack of interest in the feud, made a cutting remark about her costar. "Allow me to express my opinion. While they choose to take the low road, we strive to rise above," she revealed on SiriusXM’s Reality Checked. "I conveyed this message to Lee directly via Twitter. I mentioned 'Hurt people hurt people,' you know? So, I can't say I've ever harmed him before — but when one resorts to such hurtful words, it's a reflection of their inner struggles, and I can't help but feel sorry for the guy."

The Be the Calm or Be the Storm author also said that Lee was "definitely not acting" his age amid the drama.

Credit: Chris Haston/NBC/NBC

February 2023

Sandy shared exclusively with Us that she made an effort to reach out to Lee in an attempt to reconcile their differences. However, she acknowledged that she could not fully understand what he may be going through mentally and could only speculate. The star of Below Deck Med also mentioned that her attempts to contact her Bravo counterpart were unsuccessful.

Credit: Chris Haston/NBC (2)

June 2023

During an interview with Us, Sandy weighed in on her disagreement with Lee.

"I simply cannot believe there was such an issue surrounding it. The truth is, when you are the captain of a boat and there is someone sick in the hospital, you do not need to ask for permission to dismiss someone. You are the one in charge," she informed Us. "However, I did call afterwards to inform them about what had happened. It's always important to maintain a level of respect. But I do agree with him. I believe people blew it out of proportion."

Sandy mentioned that she made several attempts to reach out to Lee, stating, "I reached out to him multiple times. He just needs to return my call. If I happen to see him, it wouldn't even require a conversation because he understands. If he were in my position, he would have done the exact same thing."