VIPCA St. Thomas Charter Yacht Show Showcases Caribbean-Inspired Culinary Excellence
Chefs from 15 charter yachts competed at the VIPCA St. Thomas Charter Yacht Show, with Chef Glen Massey aboard Mahasattva taking the top prize.
The VIPCA St. Thomas Charter Yacht Show brought the flavors of the Caribbean to life with its vibrant culinary theme, Birds of Paradise. Chefs from 15 charter yachts competed to create dishes that captured the Colors of the Caribbean, using fresh local ingredients and bold tropical flavors.
A Star-Studded Culinary Competition
This year’s competition was led by Julius Jackson, a celebrated chef, Olympian, and published author. His laid-back yet passionate approach set the tone for a day of creativity, competition, and exquisite cuisine.
The panel of expert judges included:
- Chef Lamar Bough – Executive Chef at Cutlass and Cane, YHG Marina
- Chef Jucinto Durant – Private chef and restaurant consultant
- Chef Brady Sweet – Owner of Café Amici, and world record holder for the largest calzone, an achievement that raised $4,000 for the Humane Society of St. Thomas
Ariq Clarke aboard Barefoot Bliss – 2nd Place
Top Chefs & Winning Dishes
Despite torrential downpours, the competition remained fierce, and these chefs emerged victorious:
🥇 Chef Glen Massey aboard Mahasattva – Overall Winner
🥈 Chef Ariq Clarke aboard Barefoot Bliss – Second Place
🥉 Chef Amber Heydenreich aboard Liquid Sky – Third Place
A Feast of Caribbean-Inspired Dishes
Competing chefs presented stunning menus inspired by local ingredients and flavors, including:
- Local lobster with charred poblano peppers, green rice and guanciale, topped with salsa macha and walnut sauce
- Charred carrot purée, paired with a carrot and marigold salad
Chef Glen Massey
A New Era for VIPCA’s Charter Yacht Show
The event also marked the successful debut of new executive director, Traci Smith, who stepped into the role with confidence and excellence, continuing the strong legacy set by her predecessor, Oriel Blake.
About Jan Robinson
Jan Robinson is a Health Coach, Charter Yacht Consultant, and 2019 CYBA Hall of Fame inductee. She is a former Chef Competition Coordinator and Judge and the author of the Ship to Shore Cookbook collection, available on Amazon.
📩 Contact: [email protected]
Capt. Jan Robinson has written for ALL AT SEA since 2005.
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