In a surprising move that has set the ‘Below Deck Mediterranean‘ fandom abuzz, Captain Sandy Yawn has publicly agreed with her one-time chief stew, Hannah Ferrier, on the show’s high turnover of chief stews. The revelation came to light during an engaging sit-down at BravoCon, where Captain Sandy shared her insights on the interior drama that has become a focal point in Season 8.
The Revolving Door of Chief Stews
The revolving door of chief stews on ‘Below Deck Med’ has been a topic of much speculation and commentary, especially after Hannah Ferrier’s controversial departure in Season 5. Ferrier herself has critiqued the show for not being able to anchor down a permanent chief stew since her exit, and it seems Captain Sandy Yawn is in agreement—though she makes it clear the casting decisions are out of her hands.
“Well, she’s accurate on the Below Deck Med [side of things]. She knows that’s not my decision. So, I don’t know what to do about that,” Captain Sandy disclosed during her interview alongside current chief stew Tumi Mhlongo. The captain’s acknowledgment of the issue, while deflecting personal responsibility, shows a nuanced understanding of the show’s dynamics and the challenges of maintaining a consistent crew.
Captain Sandy’s Praise for Tumi Mhlongo
Despite the recurring changes in her team, Captain Sandy didn’t hesitate to praise Tumi Mhlongo, expressing a strong willingness to work with her again. “Honestly, I would take Tumi back any day,” she remarked, commending Tumi’s professionalism and ability to handle below-deck affairs discreetly.
With Season 8 still unfolding, viewers are left to watch and wonder if Tumi will be the one to break the chain of one-and-done stews, or if she, too, will join the ranks of those who’ve made only fleeting appearances.
#CaptainSandy On Dealing With Pirates While Yachting | #BelowDeckMed @CaptSandyYawn pic.twitter.com/VUUf5NepYU
— Hurrdat Media (@HurrdatMedia) November 7, 2023
Rekindled Respect? Captain Sandy and Hannah Ferrier
Adding to the intrigue, Captain Sandy’s recent appearance on ‘Watch What Happens Live’ revealed that her respect for Hannah Ferrier might be on the mend. When probed by host Andy Cohen on which former chief stews she’d be open to working with again, Captain Sandy surprisingly included Hannah in her list. This statement has opened the door to speculation about a potential professional reunion, though Hannah Ferrier has not yet responded to these developments.
The ‘Below Deck Med’ waves are ever-changing, and with Captain Sandy’s latest acknowledgments, fans are left to navigate the tides of crew dynamics and the prospects of future seasons. As the current season continues and Season 9 looms with the return of ‘Below Deck Down Under’ star Aesha Scott, the question remains: Who will take the lead as chief stew, and will Hannah Ferrier’s shadow continue to loom over the stewardess quarters?
