One watcher called it “Iron Chef on the water.” There’s no doubt competition was fierce during the Newport Charter Yacht Show’s Culinary Competition. Chefs were split into two classes—Grande, for yachts 100 feet and larger, and Premier, for yachts smaller than 100 feet. Participating yachts could also enter the show’s first tablescaping competition. As part of the Grande Class competition, judges gave the chefs a mystery basket containing 40 locally grown ingredients and asked them to prepare a meal in any style.

Judges were George Sass, editorial director of the AIM Marine Group; Jennifer Jones, marketing director at the AIM Marine Group and local Chef Bob Bankert of The Mooring restaurant in Newport. Gifts for each of the winners—donated by the show’s media partner, Active Interest Media (AIM), and various show vendors—were presented in Ella Vickers recycled sailcloth bags.

For more information:newportchartershow.com

Winners

Grande Class

First Place: Chef Steven Manee
126-foot (38.4-meter) motoryacht Sea Bear

Second Place: Chef Bruce Lawrence
120-foot (36.6-meter) motoryacht Lady Diane II

Third Place: Chef Mark Jones
108-foot (32.9-meter) motoryacht A’Salute

Premier Class

First Place: Chef Megan Williamson
70-foot (21.3-meter) sailing yacht Destiny

Second Place: Chef Emma Whicher
67-foot (20.4-meter) sailing yacht More Magic

Third Place: Chef David Shima
82-foot (25-meter) motoryacht Excellence

Tablescaping

First Place: Interior Crew
139-foot (42.4-meter) motoryacht Capricorn

Second Place: Interior Crew
116-foot (35.4-meter) motoryacht Kipany

Third Place: Interior Crew
129-foot (39.3-meter) motoryacht Safira