Meet the interior crew who set picture perfect tables for the 2024 Antigua Charter Yacht Show tablescaping competition
Before service even begins, the interior team sets the stage for the charter from the first step on board and gives the first impressions at the table when guests are seated. In this competition, they had the opportunity to showcase their creativity, enhancing the theme and ambiance through decor, music and attire. Within the tablescape, crew had to incorporate a champagne bottle from sponsor BWA Yachting and include place settings for the six judges to enjoy the meal.
YACHTS 180 FEET AND OVER
Chief stew Emily Birkett of Wheels
Before the judges even reached the table, the Wheels crew ensured a bright and fun first impression with balloon arches, a “pop a prize” darts game and funfair snacks in the salon. The funfair went beyond the winning table adorned with popcorn boxes, prize tickets, candy, plus Ferris wheels holding canapés and palate cleansers.
2nd: Chief stew Doreen Sullivan of CC Summer
3rd: Chief stew Nadine Coronado of SeaLion
“We wanted a fun, interactive theme for the yacht show, and this one gave us the most scope for creativity,” Emily says. “All of the girls had input and made mood boards for the different aspects. During our crossing we had a lot of fun putting all these ideas together and forming a firm plan. Even our engineers were involved, helping us with the smaller details of the set-up.”
YACHTS 126 TO 179 FEET
Chief stew Kirsty Mead of Oceanos
Leaning into the art of “The Art of Charter,” Oceanos hosted “An Evening at the Gallery” and worked with chef Cinzia Boccolate to craft an exhibition inspired by different works of art and colors. From the paint cans holding colorful flowers and jars with the deck department’s paintbrushes to the paint-splotched table runner, their handmade decor made a lasting impression.
2nd: Chief stew Josipa Lozo of Pisces
3rd: Chief stew Rachel Bradley of Adventure
“I’d been saving all the empty jam jars to use on the table, and we had a couple of crew arts and crafts sessions in Genoa before the crossing,” Kirsty says. “We painted the table runners, artist aprons and paint cans in the crew mess. It was actually really fun and a lovely team-bonding activity.”
YACHTS 125 FEET AND UNDER
Chief stew Cathleen Botha of Oculus
A step back in time, this tablescape was classy with black, silver and gold to complement the yacht’s interiors — full of dark gray, black marble and fluffy gray carpets. Feathers, pearls and gold coins adorned the table with black and white photos of the judges as place settings. Much of the decor traveled with Cathleen from her visit home to South Africa, and the entire crew contributed to putting together the table and service — bow ties, small hats and all.
2nd: Chief stew Chene Nel of Aeolus 77
3rd: Chief stew Kathryn Creighton of Fifi
“When I joined the vessel, the owner told me about this experience [of sitting with the interior designer] and what his visions were, and I could immediately see the owner's personality through the interior. That’s why I decided to use the theme Gatsby, as when I look at the owner that is who I see,” she shares. “It is such a fun theme, and we wanted to give our judges an experience that takes them back in time, back to the 1920s.”