Captain Sandy Yawn, star of reality super yacht TV show Below Deck, is to be joint godmother of Celebrity Cruises; new ship Celebrity Ascent.
She will take the role alongside her sister Michelle Dunham, founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism in the US.
The sisters will now join the industry’s first brother cruise ship captains, Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis, who will jointly take helm of the new vessel.
The 3,260-passenger ship’s official naming ceremony of the latest Edge class ship takes place on December 1 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge said: “We are honoured to have Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle join the legacy of Celebrity’s Godmothers, as they are both inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in the world.
“Captain Sandy’s life story is one of resilience, leadership and strength, as a pioneer in the maritime industry and as an inspirational role model for young women.
“Her sister Michelle is a tireless advocate for children with autism and shows us what is possible when you follow your vision for a better world. Both women live by Celebrity’s values, and we have no doubt they are the perfect choices for Ascent.”
Yawn added: “As I embark on this remarkable journey as a co-godmother of the Celebrity Ascent, I am deeply honoured to represent not only the spirit of leadership but also the strength of women empowerment.
“This role serves as a reminder that women can steer their destinies with grace and determination, commanding the seas of possibility and inspiring others to follow their own paths with courage and conviction.
“I am so honoured that my sister and I can share this distinction. She has always been my biggest inspiration in her selfless pursuit to help my nephew and other families impacted by autism.”
Celebrity Ascentwill be based in Port Everglades, Florida, for its inaugural season. Two preview sailings are planned for November, with seven-night Caribbean cruises starting in December until April 2024.
The ship will reposition to Europe for next summer to run Mediterranean cruises covering Greece, Italy, Turkey, Spain, and France.
She will take the role alongside her sister Michelle Dunham, founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA) in the US.
The sisters will now join the industry’s first brother cruise ship captains, Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis, who will jointly take helm of the new vessel.
The ship’s official naming ceremony of the lates Edge class ship takes place on December 1.
Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge said: “We are honoured to have Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle join the legacy of Celebrity’s Godmothers, as they are both inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in the world.
“Captain Sandy’s life story is one of resilience, leadership and strength, as a pioneer in the maritime industry and as an inspirational role model for young women.
“Her sister Michelle is a tireless advocate for children with autism and shows us what is possible when you follow your vision for a better world. Both women live by Celebrity’s values, and we have no doubt they are the perfect choices for Ascent.”
Yawn added: “As I embark on this remarkable journey as a co-godmother of the Celebrity Ascent, I am deeply honoured to represent not only the spirit of leadership but also the strength of women empowerment.
“This role serves as a reminder that women can steer their destinies with grace and determination, commanding the seas of possibility and inspiring others to follow their own paths with courage and conviction.
“I am so honoured that my sister and I can share this distinction. She has always been my biggest inspiration in her selfless pursuit to help my nephew and other families impacted by autism.”
Celebrity Ascentwill be based in Port Everglades for its inaugural season. Two preview sailings are planned for November, with seven-night Caribbean cruises starting in December until April 2024.
The ship will reposition to Europe for next summer to run Mediterranean cruises covering Greece, Italy, Turkey, Spain, and France.
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