A boat show provides an excellent opportunity to showcase a yacht, whether it’s for sale or charter. Beyond the vessels themselves, it’s the crew who often bring a little extra magic to the experience. From elaborate table settings to inventive cocktails, interior crew have plenty of opportunities to showcase their creativity. Aqualuxe Outfitting's annual Top Notch Tabletop Contest puts those talents center stage.
Ten yachts signed up to compete at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, with interior crew challenged to interpret the theme, “Fall into the Spell: Spiced by the Sea,” across several categories. From a distinctly Texan-inspired setting to elaborate fall-themed displays, the teams went all out to showcase their vessels and creative talents.
Judging took place on Oct. 31, when Cris Clifford of Aqualuxe Outfitting, Chief Stewardess Sarah Murphree of SARBIE, and I visited the participating yachts to see — and taste — their creations. Highlights included a refreshing Apple Cider Mule, a pumpkin spice espresso martini, and the Fire & Vine.
Best Overall Design
Chief Stewardess Keely Lipscombe, Stewardess Sophie von Ruben, and Stewardess Babette Kahlo of M/Y No Bad Ideas
Most Captivating Interior
Chief Stewardess Lexus Marraro and Stewardess Samantha Childs of M/Y I Love this Boat
Most Captivating Outdoor
Second Stewardess Kyla Wood, Deck/Stew Natasha, and Third Stewardess Celia Dunmore of M/Y Silver Lining
Best Beverage Presentation
Chief Stewardess Kelsey Tiran and Stewardess Nikita Andrade of M/Y Miss Stephanie
Most Artistic Napkin Fold
Chief Stewardess Taylor Browne, Second Stewardess Emily Rennie, and Third Stewardess Zoe Clash of M/Y Rock.It
Top Creative Centerpiece
Chief Stewardess Hollie Noades and Stewardess Vivian Nowicki of M/Y Winning Hand
Stylish Menu Design
Chief Stewardess Keely Lipscombe, Stewardess Sophie von Ruben, and Stewardess Babette Kahlo of M/Y No Bad Ideas
Best Tip of the Day
Chief Stewardess Christelle Van Zyl of M/Y Namaste
“It’s a great platform for the interior to showcase their creativity and design,” Clifford said. She also emphasized the value of seeing what other teams have created, taking inspiration back to their own vessels, and building a sense of community among crew.
“It is important for the interior crew to be part of something bigger,” she said, adding that the contest encourages participants to push their creative boundaries. “As a stewardess, one of the best things that you can do is use your creativity. I want to see a different cocktail, a different napkin fold, because at the end of the day, that’s what’s going to get everyone talking around the table.”
The judges faced a difficult task, with the teams demonstrating impressive attention to detail and creativity throughout the competition. The cocktails were another highlight, making the judging rounds particularly enjoyable. “It doesn’t matter how big the boat is; it really is all about the crew and how they go above and beyond,” Clifford said.
She also acknowledged the support of the contest sponsors, many of whom are former yacht crew themselves and are keen to give back to the industry.
Sponsors included Aqualuxe Outfitting, The Cocktail Guru, Dolce Viaggio, Etiquette Uncorked, Julie Perry, SARBIE, Savvy Maritime Academy, Triton, and YachtingToday.TV, with prizes ranging from a five-day and a 10-day Interior Course from Savvy Maritime, SARBIE products, champagne, vodka, and products from Aqualuxe.
“At the end of the day, it is a lot of work putting it together, but it’s worth it,” Clifford said. “My whole thing with Top Notch Tabletop is that all my sponsors are ex-yachties and are so supportive of giving back.”
