When Captain Sandy was first approached for Below Deck Mediterranean, her first reaction was absolutely not.
As one of a small number of female captains taking to the waters on the world's fanciest superyachts, she was top of her industry and was worried starring in the hit reality TV show could ruin her impressive career.
But she decided to take the leap of faith and sign up, and it has opened up an opportunity she never would have even allowed herself to dream about - a stage show in London's West End.
Along with "her person", partner Leah Rae, Captain Sandy will share a series of inspirational and funny stories from her tough life - which has seen her face a cancer diagnosis and battle alcoholism - as well as her incredible career.
She tells The Mirror: "I had no desire to be famous, it was never on my radar. I just wanted to be a good human being.
"I got sober 32 years ago, I was a mess and I was just grateful to be able to hold down a job. And then to be able to become a captain was beyond my wildest dreams. I was kicked out of high school, I didn't graduate. I didn't go to college.
"It was through hard work and dedication that I became a caption. This show landed in my lap and now London's West End - and I get to bring my person."
Sandy says the best thing about being on Below Deck Med is knowing she's inspiriting lots of people, and hopes the show will allow her to build on that.
"I was blown away [how big it would be in the UK], I had no idea.
"The show landed in my lap, I didn't know what I was getting myself into. At first I was like no, I'm not doing it, it's going to ruin my career. Then I thought, well it landed in my lap.
"Things that just come to me, it's for a reason. I can't tell you how how many messages I get thanking me for inspiring people. It's really incredible and that's the best part, to experience that side of it."
Speaking ahead of her UK show, which is on May 16, she opens up about life on the hit reality TV show, which is due back on our screens later this year.
She says the show is an accurate representation of life on a super yacht, but there is one thing that's very different - how staff are hired.
She said: "Everything that you see on TV is absolutely reality. There is no scripting there.
"The difference is I don't hire the crew, they're casted. That's why you get a lot of the party animals.
"It's a real job, real profession, real lives at sake when we go to sea. It's a huge responsibility and it's all on my shoulders."
While she loves her job and enjoys being on the water, she admits it's stressful - especially when they're filming the show.
"It's not all party, it's hard work. They do work hard but the crew party less because it's so exhausting.
"Being away from our family is the hardest thing about filming, and having cameras in your face.
"It's hard, it's not easy. It's very stressful but it's fun. If it was easy, then it would be boring.
"You need a certain amount of that in life I think, that makes you feel like you've achieved something.
"Every time I walk off and nobody is hurt and the boat is good, it's a successful day.
"My favourite thing about being at sea is driving the boat. It's always cool. Everywhere I've ever gone has been incredible."
Since the show Captain Sandy has starred in a US stage show and is now doing a one-night performance in London's Lyric Theatre, which is in Shaftesbury Avenue.
She said: "I'm really excited. I just want to connect with people from the United Kingdom. I love the UK. It's such an honour and a pleasure to be doing this in this country. There is so much history. The maritime history in the UK is huge.
"I didn't know this would ever happen, I'm just so elated.
"Through my story-telling it's really funny."
Crowds will also get to meet Sandy's partner Leah Rae, who will take to the stage alongside her on the night.
"She had six albums as a gospel singer. When she started seeing me she was no longer welcome, so I thought how great is it that I can share the stage with her. You meet this woman and then you hear this big voice, the voice doesn't match the body.
"She's incredible, so she's opening and closing with music.
"We did it on the [US tour] and people wanted to her more from me than me. I don't blame them, she's way better.
"We had a great time."
Speaking about the show, Leah said: "There is never a dull moment with my partner Captain Sandy and London definitely isn’t dull - it seems like there is excitement around every corner.
"I’m beyond thrilled to be coming to London and to sing in one of the finest theatres, supporting Sandy. Performing in London has always been a dream of mine, and now it’s coming true.”"
- Tickets for Captain Sandy LIVE are on sale now, click here for more info.
