Culinary Elegance on the High Seas: Highlights from the 24th Annual Antigua Concours de Chef
The prestigious 24th Annual Antigua Charter Yachts Show set the stage for an unforgettable culinary spectacle with its much-anticipated Concours de Chef and Tablescaping Competition.
This year’s theme, “The Art of Charter,” challenged chefs to craft a three-course dining experience—first course, main course, and dessert—centered around imaginative Charter Theme Nights. Adding a thrilling twist, each dish had to feature a mystery ingredient, pushing participants to elevate their artistry while embracing creativity and innovation.
As the competition unfolded, the air buzzed with excitement, culminating in a showcase of unmatched culinary mastery. From elegantly plated creations to unique tablescapes that transported diners to a world of luxury, the judges faced an enviable challenge in selecting the winners. Ultimately, the titles went to the following exceptional chefs and yachts:
Leny Belin,
M/Y Wheels
Yachts 180 ft +
1st Place: Chef Leny Belin, M/Y Wheels
2nd Place: Chef Hamish Dean, M/Y Holdin My Own
3rd Place: Chef Thean Labuschagne, M/Y Sealion
Yachts 126 ft – 179 ft
1st Place: Chef Mikhailo Chekan, M/Y Nuri
2nd Place: Chef Ryan Weymouth, M/Y Pisces
3rd Place: Chef Sam Dux, M/Y Serenity
Yachts 125 ft and under
1st Place: Chef Tom Rider, M/Y Oculus
2nd Place: Chef Casey Strickland, S/Y Aeolus 77
3rd Place: Chef Graham Dutton, M/Y Fifi
”Coordinating the Antigua Charter Yacht Show’s Concours de Chef and Tablescaping Competitions is an incredible honor. This year, 30 yachts showcased immense talent, impressing judges with creative interpretations of the theme and secret ingredient. While only a few took home awards, every participant displayed exceptional skill. I applaud the 2024 competitors and look forward to welcoming even more talent next year.” –Elizabeth Lee, chef, author & coordinator
Stay tuned as we dive into the winning dishes and explore the inspiration behind the chefs’ remarkable creations, each one a testament to the art and elegance of luxury chartering.
and under
Tom Rider,
M/Y Oculus
Winners of the 2024 Concours de Chef Competition:
Yachts 180 ft +
1st place: Chef Leny Belin, M/Y Wheels
2nd place: Chef Hamish Dean, M/Y Holdin My Own
3rd place: Chef Thean Labuschagne, M/Y Sealion
Yachts 126 ft – 179 ft
1st place: Chef Mikhailo Chekan, M/Y Nuri
2nd place: Chef Ryan Weymouth, M/Y Pisces
3rd place: Chef Sam Dux, M/Y Serenity
Yachts 125 ft and under
1st place: Chef Tom Rider, M/Y Oculus
2nd place: Chef Casey Strickland, S/Y Aeolus 77
3rd place: Chef Graham Dutton, M/Y Fifi
Mikhailo Chekan, M/Y Nuri
Tablescaping Competitions Winners:
Yachts 180 ft +
1st place: Chief stewardess Emily Birkett, M/Y Wheels
2nd place: Chief stewardess Doreen Sullivan, M/Y CC Summer
3rd place: Chief stewardess Nadine Coronado, M/Y Sealion
Yachts 126 ft – 179 ft
1st place: Chief stewardess Kirsty Mead, M/Y Oceanus
2nd place: Chief stewardess Josipa Lozo, M/Y Pisces
3rd place: Chief Stewardess Rachel Bradley, M/Y Adventure
Yachts 125 ft and under
1st place: Chief stewardess Cathleen Botha, M/Y Oculus
2nd place: Chief stewardess Chene Nel, M/Y Aeolus 77
3rd place: Chief stewardess Kathryn Creighton, M/Y Fifi
Jan Robinson, Health Coach, Charter Yacht Consultant, 2019 CYBA Hall of Fame, Former Chef Competition Coordinator/Judge, and author of the Ship to Shore Cookbook collection; available on Amazon and [email protected]
Capt. Jan Robinson has written for ALL AT SEA since 2005.
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