Sisters at sea: Captain Sandy and Michelle (Picture: Celebrity Cruises)
Below Deck star Captain Sandy Yawn and her sister Michelle Dunham are to be godmothers to the new Celebrity Cruises ship Celebrity Ascent.
Captain Sandy, who rose to fame in the reality TV series about life on chartered superyachts, and Michelle – founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism – will name the latest Edge-class vessel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 1.
The joint captains of Celebrity Ascent are two brothers, Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis.
New ship: Celebrity Ascent (Picture: Celebrity Cruises)
Sandy and Michelle join a list of inspirational women who have been godmothers to the previous Edge-class ships – Olympic medallist Simone Biles for Celebrity Beyond last year; Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, who named Celebrity Apex in 2021; and Malala Yousafzai, Nobel laureate and activist, who christened Celebrity Edge in 2018.
Captain Sandy said of her new role: ‘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.’
Friends: Captain Sandy with (left) Captain Kate of Celebrity Beyond (Picture: Dave Monk)
Her sister Michelle founded the Jacksonville School for Autism in 2005 with her husband Mark to give their son, Nicholas, the best opportunity to learn.
Captain Sandy said: ‘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.’
Michelle added: ‘It fills my heart with immense pride to stand as co-godmother of the Celebrity Ascent, alongside my sister.’
Laura Hodges Bethge, the president of Celebrity Cruises, said: ‘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.’
Captain Sandy knows her way around an Edge-class ship, having posed with Celebrity Beyond Captain Kate McCue at a press conference on its first passenger voyage last year.
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Celebrity Apex to sail from Southampton for its entire 2024 season – including to the Arctic Circle