Ahh, Antigua. A place where sailing regattas begin and end.A place where captains feel at home after an Atlantic crossing. A place wherethe Antigua Charter Yacht Show nestles in three locations to celebrate thestart of the Caribbean charter season, and a place where yacht charter chefsshow off their culinary flavors for the Concours de Chef.
What happened over the last four days on the docks of FalmouthHarbour, the Antigua Yacht Club and Nelson’s Dockyard was nothing short of fun.The crew’s enthusiasm for their yachts and the upcoming season could be feltalong every passerelle. But in the galleys of those taking on the CaribbeanChristmas From Around the World-themed lunch in the 16th annual Concours deChef, the tension was high and the pressure was on, but the chefs andstewardesses showed their creativity to a tee.
The judges had their hands full (stomachs, too) as they madenotes and tasted the fare from competitors in three categories based on yachtsize. They were treated to some amazing culinary talent.
At the prize giving held in the courtyard at Admiral’s Inn, ChefMichelle Bonetti of M/Y Zeepard tookhome first prize in the up to 125-feet division. Chef Ben Dineen of M/Y Lady J topped the 126 feet to 159 feetcategory and Chef Scott Dickson of M/Y Inceptiontook the honors for yachts 160 feet and larger.
The food was creatively presented on a table setting withthe winter motif, and for each category, stewardesses vied for the tablescapecompetition with Stewardess Jessica De Beer of M/Y Zeepard winning the up to 125 feet category, Stewardess Zanytana ofM/Y MiM topping the 126 feet to 159 feetdivision and Stewardess Ekaube of M/Y Seawolftaking the prize for yachts 160 feet and larger.
It was an incredible competition, and all the crew cameout to support their respective teams during the award ceremony. Stay tuned forthe winning chefs’ stories in an upcoming issue of Dockwalk along with pictures of the delicious dishes. Congratulationsto everyone.
Concours de Chef Winners:
Yachts up to 125ft: Michelle Bonetti of M/Y Zeepard
Yachts 126ft – 159ft: Ben Dineen of M/Y Lady J
Yachts 160ft plus: Scott Dickson of M/Y Inception
Tablescaping Competition Winners:
Yachts up to 125ft: Jessica De Beer of M/Y Zeepard
Yachts 126ft to 159ft: Zanytana Jonsson of M/Y MiM
Yachts 160ft plus: Stewardesses Elaine Cameron, Lucy Walsh and Abbey Lewis of M/Y Seawolf