The prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco has officially opened the application process for the seventh edition of its renowned Superyacht Chef Competition. The culinary showdown is scheduled to take place on 2 April 2026, with preparations already in full swing.
A Culinary Challenge Like No Other
Organized in collaboration with Bluewater and spearheaded by La Belle Classe Academy, the competition is designed to spotlight the exceptional talents of chefs working in the superyacht industry. Gastronomy is a cornerstone of the luxury experience at sea, and these chefs operate under extraordinary constraints.
Cooking on a superyacht demands far more than classic culinary technique. Chefs must demonstrate remarkable adaptability, working within tight galley spaces, managing limited storage, and catering to a diverse, international clientele with ever-changing supply availability. With an estimated fleet of nearly 11,000 yachts over 24 metres globally, this specialized profession now employs thousands of chefs, many of whom are trained in the world's finest haute cuisine kitchens.
An Elite Jury Led by a Michelin-Starred Maestro
The 2026 competition will be presided over by an illustrious culinary figure: Philippe Etchebest, a two-Michelin-starred chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France. He will lead the panel of judges.
Chef Etchebest will be joined by fellow Meilleur Ouvrier de France Philippe Joannès, who serves as the culinary consultant for the Yacht Club de Monaco. The jury's coordination will be handled by Simon Ganache, with support from Frédéric Ramos, President of Monaco Goût et Saveurs.
Fast-Paced Format Mirrors Life at Sea
To accurately reflect the high-pressure, dynamic environment of a superyacht galley, the competition employs a rapid-fire challenge format. Participants will face a mystery basket of ingredients, revealed just moments before the clock starts.
Chefs will have only five minutes to conceptualize their dish before beginning execution. The rules mandate the use of every ingredient to penalize waste, and a surprise element chosen by the live audience will be introduced. A dedicated prize will also be awarded for the most accomplished plate presentation. This intense structure tests the essential qualities of a superyacht chef: ingenuity, composure under pressure, precision, and a deep respect for ingredients.
Promoting Excellence and Maritime Careers
The event carries a broader mission aligned with the Yacht Club de Monaco's Art de Vivre la Mer philosophy and the 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' vision. It aims to recognize superyacht chefs as key ambassadors of high-end yachting while also stimulating interest in maritime hospitality careers.
This includes not only chefs but also roles in service, sommelier duties, bartending, stewarding, and yacht hotel management. La Belle Classe Academy, which has offered advanced training programs since 2015—including the internationally recognized IAMI Guest certification—continues to drive this push for excellence in onboard service, championing gastronomy as a definitive part of the yachting experience.
Professional chefs currently working in the superyacht industry who wish to test their skills against the best are now invited to submit their applications for the 2026 Superyacht Chef Competition.
