Interior crew at this year’s 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show took center stage with their creativity for the Top Notch Tabletop Challenge “Lights. Linen. Action,” hosted by Aqualuxe Outfitting. Across seven categories, 29 crew members on board 11 yachts participated and shared their artistry of design, telling a story with their table settings. The challenge was simple: create a tabletop that dazzles with fall 2025 elegance — or a theme that showcases your creativity.
"With 29 crew participating, including deck crew who helped the interior teams secure their decorations, this spirit of teamwork is exactly what we celebrate," says Aqualuxe founder Cristina Clifford. "As a Costa Rican, I’ve always believed that true hospitality comes from the heart — where creativity, warmth, and collaboration meet. That’s the essence we honor with Top Notch Tabletop — artistry with soul, the 'pura vida' essence, and FLIBS 2025 Lights, Linens, Action brought it all."
Here are the winners:
Utmost Inspiring Top Notch Tabletop
Chief Stewardess Ella Scott, Bianca De Lange, and Julissa Wilson of M/Y Sur La Mer
Most Inspiring Interior Top Notch Tabletop
Chief Steward Gerhard Pretorius, Amber, and Chef Max of M/Y Patience
Most Inspiring Deck (Outdoor) Top Notch Tabletop
Chief Stewardess Beth Pendrous and Gemma Walker of M/Y Amica Mea
Top Creative Centerpiece
Chief Stewardess Erin Wilson and Cate Linsley of M/Y GoldenEye
Best Beverage Presentation
Chief Stewardess Sarah Murphree of M/Y Risk Taker
Most Artistic Napkin Fold
Chief Stewardess Martina Adler, Dani de Freitas, Olivia Villotti, Jordan Michel, Monique Hunley, and Dody Febrianto of M/Y Casino Royale
Menu Presentation
Chief Stewardess Amanda Jordan, Elise Freone, and Lucy Hodes of M/Y Rena
To see the tables from all the participants, visit aqualuxeoutfitting.com.