Summary
Below Deck Mediterraneanseason 9Chef Johnathan “Jono” Shillingfordhad a heartwarming reaction to working alongside beloved Captain Sandy Yawn. Sandy has appeared in various seasons of theBelow Deckfranchise since 2017. Jono, who is new to the cast, was thrilled to join the veteran captain. In addition to Sandy’s professional expertise, Jono has a lot of respect for Sandy as a cultural icon.
Jono and Sandy join the rest of theBelow Deck Medseason 9 castin sailing the waters of Greece aboard the Mustique. Chief Stew Aesha Scott was tasked with leading a crew consisting almost entirely of new stews. Among the cast, Jono stands out with the positive energy he brings into the kitchen, often dancing while he cooks and managing to stay calm under pressure. Under Sandy’s leadership, Jono and the crew are equipped to face the challenges ahead of them onboard.
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He Was Honored To Join Sandy’s Crew
In an Instagram video following theBelow Deck Mediterraneanseason 9premiere,Jonobroke down his thoughts about the start of the season.Jono was elated to have the opportunity to work with Sandy. He explainedhe never worked with a female captainbefore joining Sandy on the Mustique. Female captains are, unfortunately, a rare occurrence on yachts.Jono said he was “starstruck” to meet Sandyduring his interview, as he was originally unaware she was going to be the Mustique’s captain.
Captain Sandy and Jono have made a great team so far.
Sandy is an unapologetic leader, and she does not allow anybody to question her authority because she is a woman. A strong female leader is empowering for all crew members, regardless of their gender. While Jono said the first day on the ship was “the highest stress point” he had felt in “ages,”the crew managed to keep their guests happy under Sandy’s leadership. Jono was elated to have landed among Sandy’s crew, and he fits in perfectly with the cast.
He Called Sandy A “Queer Icon”
Sandy Has Given Important Representation To The LGBTQ+ Community
Jono called meeting Captain Sandy “iconic”and referred to her as a “Bravo queer icon.” It’s meaningful to Jono that he found representation on the ship. Sandy has not only broken down barriers as a female captain, but she also brings a spirit of inclusivity to the crew. Although she has refused labels, Sandy has been open about loving both women and men. She married her wife, Leah Shafer, on June 16, 2025, just weeks before thepremiere ofBelow Deck Medseason 9.
Sandyand Leah shared a video in celebration of Pride Month where they explained what Pride means to them. They spoke about the importance of being proud of who they love. Sandy’s caption described her happiness “to be able to express love for each other freely.” This freedom made Jono feel more at home on the Mustique and encouraged a supportive environment.
Below Deck Mediterranean’s June Premiere Was Especially Meaningful
The Show Airs During Pride Month
Jono opened his reel by addressing how “June is such an important time for us queers.”June is Pride Month, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. In a month that honors his identity,Jono can also celebrate sharing his culinary talents with the world onBelow Deck Med. Airing the show in June is likely just a coincidence, but it makes this moment even more profound for Jono.
Below Deck Medseason 9 premiering in June is important for Jono since it’s Pride Month.
In addition to the show premiering during Pride Month,Jono found it especially poignant that the Mustique hosted"queer guests,” referring to a group of young influencers from London. He saidthe influencers were very nice and appreciated how they were committed to having a good timeon the yacht. The airing of a show featuring several LGBTQ+ people, without an overt focus on their sexuality, helps to promote inclusion and fight back against stereotypes.
Overall, Jono is enthusiastic about his new role onBelow Deck Mediterranean. The ability to work alongside Sandy made his time on the Mustique even more significant. The leadership of a strong woman and the addition of LGBTQ+ cast members puts a spotlight on the diversity within the yachting world. Above all, Jono is enjoying seeing himself on the show and sharing the screen with an iconic leader. He is a natural on camera who will make season 9 unforgettable.
Below Deck Mediterraneanairs on Mondays at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
