Monaco’s Yacht Club de Monaco will host the seventh edition of its Superyacht Chef Competition on 2nd April, uniting some of the world’s finest culinary talents to compete in a unique setting.
The competition, organised through the club’s training centre La Belle Classe Academy with support from Bluewater, aims to shed light on a demanding yet little-known profession: the superyacht chef.
Heading the judging panel for the competition is Philippe Etchebest, a two Michelin starred chef and holder of France’s prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier title. He will be joined by an international lineup of culinary experts, including Italian chef Carlo Cracco, two-Michelin-starred Marcel Ravin from Monaco’s Blue Bay restaurant, and Venezuelan television host Jenny Maltese.
The panel also features superyacht specialist Duncan Biggs, co-founder of Ocean Waves Monaco, and Benjamin Ferrand, who won last year’s competition. German chef and restaurateur Tim Mälzer is expected to join, pending confirmation.
Real word-pressure
The competition format mirrors the demanding conditions chefs face at sea. Contestants will discover a mystery ingredient just moments before they begin cooking and must use all products provided, with penalties for food waste.
“This event showcases chefs who can excel in a challenging, mobile and international setting,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, the Yacht Club’s managing director.
The jury will assess not only technical skill but also adaptability and understanding of the unique constraints of onboard service, where chefs must work in confined spaces while maintaining high standards.
Educational focus
Students from Monaco Hospitality School will participate in running the event, gaining hands-on experience alongside working professionals.
In the run-up to the main competition, the Yacht Club will host the Battle des Chefs on 12th March, a networking event supporting the charity À Chacun Son Cap. Then, on April 1st, the Dîner des Grands Chefs will bring together jury members ahead of the competition itself
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Main photo credit: mesi_BD, Yacht Club de Monaco