Superyacht Chef Competition 2025: Talent, Innovation, and Haute Cuisine in Monaco

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Yacht Club de Monaco will host the 6th edition of the Superyacht Chef Competition, a prestigious event celebrating the art of haute cuisine aboard luxury yachts. Organized by the Belle Classe Academy – Y.C.M.’s training center – in collaboration with Bluewater, the competition will bring together nine chefs from superyachts ranging from 36 to 97 meters.

Under the watchful eyes of a panel of experts and encouraged by their crews, the competitors will face a culinary challenge that tests creativity, skill, and adaptability. With selected ingredients and the constraints of time and space typical of onboard kitchens, the participants will have to showcase their talent in creating dishes worthy of the finest gourmet tables, perfectly aligned with the refined culinary standards of the yachting world.

Monaco: A Hub of Yachting and Haute Cuisine

“The Superyacht Chef Competition represents the fusion of culinary art and maritime excellence, further enhancing Monaco’s prestige in the international yachting scene,” says Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Y.C.M. This event is not just a competition but also a tribute to a fundamental aspect of luxury yachting, perfectly aligning with the vision of the “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative.

Among this year’s competitors is Francesco Federico Benassi, the head chef aboard 50Steel Almax (50 meters, Sanlorenzo), an innovative yacht owned by Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman of the renowned Italian shipyard. Almax is the first superyacht in the world to integrate the Reformer – Fuel Cell modular system, an advanced technology capable of powering onboard hospitality services with zero emissions. Benassi’s participation highlights the competition’s prestige and appeal among the top players in the yachting and culinary industries.

“Cooking is my passion and my way of expressing myself. I often use seawater when preparing fish and seafood to enhance their natural flavors and bring the true essence of the ocean to the plate. For me, this competition is more than just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to push my limits, learn from incredible chefs, and create dishes that tell my story,” says Benassi.

A Star-Studded Jury for an Exceptional Edition

This year’s competition promises to be as exciting and gourmet as ever, under the supervision of some of the biggest names in gastronomy:
👨‍🍳 Joël Garault and Frédéric Ramos, respectively President and Vice President of Monaco Goût et Saveurs
👨‍🍳 Philippe Joannès, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and Y.C.M. F&B Director
👨‍🍳 Simon Ganache, Y.C.M. Events Manager

A major highlight of this edition is the presence of Guillaume Gomez, Ambassador of French Gastronomy, who will sponsor the competition for the first time.

With talent, passion, and innovation at the forefront, the 6th Superyacht Chef Competition is set to be a spectacular event, showcasing the strong connection between haute cuisine and the world of luxury yachting. 🍽️⚓