Unveiling the Champions: Winners of the MYBA Superyacht Chefs' & Tablescaping Competitions

Chef and tablescaping competitions play a crucial role for us, providing firsthand insights into the culinary and hospitality standards aboard the luxury charter yachts participating in the competition. As brokers, we aim to deliver exceptional experiences to our clients, and these competitions allow us to assess the talent and creativity of onboard chefs and interior teams.

The chefs who triumph in these competitions demonstrate exceptional culinary expertise that is sure to impress. Moreover, the attention to detail showcased in tablescaping competitions reflects the overall commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction onboard, a fundamental aspect of the charter experience.

By closely following these competitions, we can offer you up-to-date advice and recommendations, ensuring that your charter surpasses expectations in every aspect, including gourmet dining and impeccable table settings.

In honour of the return of the MYBA Charter Show to Genoa in Italy, superyacht chefs from around the world were tasked with the challenge of preparing a dinner party for their charter guests fusing Italian cuisine with the cuisine of another country of their choice.

The Italian fusion dinner party had to consist of three courses – entrée, main course and dessert – for six guests, within 35 minutes, and all preparation and cooking was to be undertaken on board.

Dishes were judged on their creativity and originality, flavour, presentation, technique and overall impression. The Chefs were eager to showcase their culinary prowess and created extraordinary dishes that impressed both judges and guests alike.

Interior crew were also given a creative task, challenged to create a tablescape based on the theme of the Italian fusion dinner in the most sophisticated way possible. Judging was based on correct table setting, attention to detail, appropriateness to the theme and overall impression.

After serious deliberation, the judges announced the winners of the 2024 MYBA Superyacht Chefs’ Competition and they were celebrated with typical Italian fanfare.

The Superyacht Chefs’ Competition Winners

56 metres and above:

1st place  - Andrew Durham (M/Y “Naia”)

Experience luxury at its finest aboard the superyacht NAIA. With a length of 73.60 meters (241' 6"), NAIA offers unparalleled comfort and style for up to 12 guests in 8 beautifully appointed cabins. Built by Freire Shipyard, NAIA boasts impressive amenities including a beach club, jacuzzi, gym, owner's penthouse deck, and helipad that converts to a spacious sun deck for ultimate relaxation. With a dedicated crew of 23, including the clearly highly skilled chef, NAIA ensures an unforgettable charter experience in the most stunning of destinations of the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter. 

2nd place-  Lee Easdon (M/Y “Lioness V)
3rd place - Michael Mathieson (M/Y “Aquila”)
Special mention - Neil Walker (M/Y “Jaguar”) for the first course bento box

36 to 55 metres:

1st place  - Mykhailo Chekan ( M/Y “Nuri”)

With a length of 40.51 m (132' 11"), NURI offers an exquisite blend of elegance and sophistication. Accommodating up to 12 guests in 5 luxurious cabins, each designed with meticulous attention to detail, NURI provides unparalleled comfort and relaxation. Built by Cantiere Delle Marche in 2021, this stunning sleek vessel features a stylish interior, spacious deck areas, and a range of amenities including a jacuzzi, gym, and alfresco dining options. With a dedicated crew of 6, NURI promises a truly unforgettable charter experience along the breathtaking coastlines and islands of the Western Mediterranean for the summer and Caribbean for the winter. 

2nd place- Tom Van Zeller (M/Y “C”)
3rd place - Beth Howard (M/Y “Anya”)
Special mention - Mario Ventura (S/Y “Jasali II”) for best fish dish

35 metres and under

1st place  - Nicolo d’Urso (M/Y “South”)

Sleek and sophisticated, the Ferretti built 33.00 metres (108' 3") SOUTH embodies luxury on the water. With four decks to explore, she offers spacious accommodations for up to 11 guests, including a wide-body master suite and four guest cabins. The light-filled salon and formal dining area provide an elegant setting for gatherings, while the upper deck boasts privacy and outdoor dining options. On the sun deck, guests can relax in the Jacuzzi or soak up the sun on loungers. With a crew of seven dedicated professionals, your charter aboard SOUTH promises an exceptional luxury yacht charter in the Western Mediterranean.

2nd place- Marisol Alvarez Guzman (M/Y “EM3”)
3rd place - Candice Potgieter (M/Y “Heavenly Daze”)
Special mention - Giuseppina Ramunno (M/Y “Montenapo”) for best dessert

Tablescaping Competition Winners
56 metres and over - Marine Beaucamps (M/Y “Lioness V”)

36 to 55 metres - Gillian Liszyk (M/Y “C”)

35 metres and under - Iryna Shmatko (M/Y “Tonic Blue”)

The MYBA Charter Show in Genoa provided a captivating showcase of culinary excellence and creative flair onboard luxury charter yachts. As brokers, we understand the significance of these competitions in evaluating onboard standards and ensuring exceptional luxury yacht charters for our clients. Contact us today to discover how we can add amazing value to your next luxury yacht charter with insights from these prestigious competitions.

Photo credit for competition photos: MYBA-@yacht_shot