2025 USSA Crew Night
Featuring our Charter Show Crew Competitions

CHEF COMPETITION - june 24, 2025

Open to yacht chefs on all registered yachts in the show, this is their opportunity to showcase their skills, experience and passion for cooking onboard for charter guests. 

The competition will be a mystery basket format. On Monday, June 23rd, the participating chefs will meet in the main tent to choose their ingredients at 12:00 Noon.

Judging will take place on Tuesday, June 24th in the main tent from 1:00-3:00pm. All show attendees are encouraged to stop by and watch this lively and interactive event. 

The three person judging panel of industry professionals from both the culinary and yachting worlds will evaluate the entries for taste, presentation and use of ingredients. The chefs will be expected to give a presentation that includes an explanation of their ingredients and how they prepared their entry and to converse with the judges about their entry.

Cash prizes provided by National Marine Suppliers will be awarded for first ($1,000), second ($750) and third ($500) places.

The 2025 theme is Celebration. Charter yachts are an amazing venue for guests to celebrate personal and professional milestones and events and the food is central to these celebrations. The competing yacht chefs will randomly choose a celebration theme for the inspiration of their entry. They may choose any cuisine and meal to showcase their interpretation of their celebration. It should be an elevated meal that highlights a sophisticated palate with impeccable technique that is enhanced with spectacular plating. Along with taste and use of ingredients, presentation and plating  will be part of the judging criteria. The entry will be created with standard pantry ingredients and products including proteins, produce and specialty items provided by National Marine Suppliers highlighting sources that practice regenerative farming.

Currently Registered (8 spots available):
1. M/Y Freedom - Chef Kendra Castello
2. M/Y Temptation - Chef Katie Provenza
3. M/Y Island Cowboy - Chef Ursula White
4. M/Y Acta - Chef Garrett Hamilton
5. M/Y Magnum Ride - Chef David Rashty
6. S/Y Andromeda - Chef Leala Simich
7. M/Y Lexington - Chef Ranada Riley
8.

Captain & DEck CHALLENGE - june 24, 2025

The Captain & Deck Challenge will take place on Tuesday, June 24 starting at 5:30pm in the main show tent. The competition will be made up of three challenges, all of which will be exciting and fun to watch! The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of the three challenges combined will each receive an award and other prizes. Your crew and all other show participants are invited to cheer you on! Beer and wine will be served during the competition.

NOTE: This event is only for the captains & crew of yachts participating in the show. 

Currently Registered:
1. M/Y Freedom
2. M/Y Temptation
3. M/Y Acta
4. M/Y Impulse
5. S/Y Andromeda
6. M/Y Lexington

TABLESCAPING COMPETITION - june 25, 2025

This competition is open to all interior crew onboard yachts participating in the Newport Charter Yacht Show and will take place on Wednesday, June 25 from 10am-4pm. Crew can compete solo or as a team. The challenge is to artistically decorate a dining table onboard utilizing the yacht’s own linen, china, tableware and decorative items including candles and flowers. The yacht may choose any theme and set-up on either an interior or exterior table.

The judging will focus on what is displayed on top of the table. A panel of design professionals from Newport Yacht Interiors will pick one winner. Show attendees will also pick a fan favorite. The criteria used in judging includes: originality of theme, composition, use of materials and how well the tablescape fits with the yacht.

Currently Registered:
1. M/Y Freedom
2. M/Y Temptation
3. M/Y Acta
4. M/Y In the Zone
5. M/Y Impulse
6. S/Y Andromeda

Signature Cocktail Competition - june 25, 2025

Open to all crew participating in the Charter Yacht Show, this is a competitive opportunity for crew to show off their skills in creating a “mocktail” as well as a delicious adult beverage using mixers or secret ingredients from their bar pantries. This competition will take place on Wednesday, June 25 from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. Entries will be judged onboard by show attendees who will evaluate each for taste and presentation. (Please note that you will be required to list all the ingredients in each drink).

Currently Registered:
1. M/Y Freedom
2. M/Y Temptation
3. M/Y Acta
4. M/Y In the Zone
5. M/Y Impulse
6. S/Y Andromeda
7. M/Y Lexington