Every aspect of the competition was impressive and it proved more challenging than ever to select the winners due to the extremely high standard across the board. It was a truly exceptional event!
In the chef competition, the chefs were asked to create a three-course dining experience: first course, main course and dessert, utilizing the mystery ingredient(s) and showcasing the Art of Charter. They had to demonstrate how their culinary creations enhance the overall experience.
In the tablescaping competition, the stewards and stewardesses were tasked with designing a table setting that reflected the Art of Charter, choosing appropriate music to enhance the ambiance, creating themed decorations and selecting staff attire that complements the theme are all great ways of doing this.
Competitors could earn extra points by offering an additional culinary aspect (chef competition only), providing creative welcome cocktails and/or mixology demonstrations, having themed ambiance, music and crew attire, or by providing unique crew entertainment.
This year’s judges were:
Tommy Baldwin - Shoreside Support
Aaron Michaels - Culinary Convenience
Francesca Fenucci - BWA Yachting
Liam Steevenson - Global Wine Solutions
Rio Alexander - The Beautiful Table LLC
Chef Elizabeth Lee - East Yachts
So who came out on top?
And the winners are…
Chef competition
In the category of yachts 180ft and over
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1st place: Chef Leny Belin M/Y Wheels
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2nd place: Chef Hamish Dean M/Y Holdin My Own
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3rd place: Chef Thean Labuschagne M/Y Sealion
In the category of yachts 126-179ft
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1st place: Chef Mikhailo Chekan M/Y Nuri
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2nd place: Chef Ryan Weymouth M/Y Pisces
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3rd place: Chef Sam Dux M/Y Serenity
In the category of yachts 125ft and under
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1st place Chef Tom Rider M/Y Oculus
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2nd place Chef Casey Strickland S/Y Aeolus 77
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3rd place Chef Graham Dutton M/Y Fifi
Tablescaping competition
In the category of yachts 180ft and over
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1st place: Chief Stewardess Emily Birkett M/Y Wheels
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2nd place: Chief Stewardess Doreen Sullivan M/Y CC Summer
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3rd place: Chief Stewardess Nadine Coronado M/Y Sealion
In the category of yachts 126-179ft
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1st place: Chief Stewardess Kirsty Mead M/Y Oceanus
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2nd place: Chief Stewardess Josipa Lozo M/Y Pisces
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3rd place: Chief Stewardess Rachel Bradley M/Y Adventure
In the category of yachts 125ft and under
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1st place: Chief Stewardess Cathleen Botha M/Y Oculus
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2nd place: Chief Stewardess Chene Nel M/Y Aeolus 77
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3rd place: Chief Stewardess Kathryn Creighton M/Y Fifi
A few words from our Concours de Chef Coordinator, Chef Elizabeth Lee (pictured): "Coordinating the Antigua Charter Yacht Show’s Concours de Chef and Tablescaping Competitions is a phenomenal honor. This year we had 30 yachts compete in this prestigious event, each showcasing immense talent from their charter crews.
“The competition level was very high with many gifted chefs and interior crew members collaborating to impress our discerning judges. While only a few yachts and their crew could take home the coveted awards, I want to emphasize that the competition is not the sole arbiter of one's talent and potential. Interpreting the theme and incorporating the secret ingredient while balancing taste and presentation is a significant creative challenge. All chefs and crew demonstrated wonderful abilities regardless of final placement.
“As the coordinator of this exciting event, it was deeply rewarding to facilitate such an exceptional display of fine cuisine and design from top charter yachts. I applaud all the 2024 participants and hope to see these and even more skilled yacht crews take part again next year."
Congratulations to all our winners and huge thanks to everyone who helped make these competitions a success. Keep your eyes peeled on our photo galleries in the coming weeks to view the full array of imagery from the competitions!
