Chef Aaron Thomas Scoops Top Prize at Superyacht Chef Contest 2026 on-board Motor Yacht Canvas

Setting the stage for an epic culinary battle, the seventh Superyacht Chef Competition was esteemed with spectacular flair. Astonishingly, it was the head chef of motor yacht Canvas, the esteemable Aaron Thomas, who emerged triumphant in this showdown held in the yacht playground, Monaco. With nine superyacht chefs taking to the kitchen, the competition was nothing short of breathtaking. Taking their place behind their respective stoves, the chefs were tasked with the challenge of creating a recipe, preparing, and plating it, all within the constraints of a restrictive 45 minute window. Given only a basket of mystery ingredients to work with, the stress was palpable. Moving onto the final round, participants were given 80 minutes to concoct a dessert and a main course to present in front of the esteemed panel of judges. Despite the hurdles, Thomas cooked up an exquisitely delectable lobster dish that ultimately stole the show. The two parter, a centerpiece of lobster accompanied by a morel fricassee and asparagus and a follow-up of lobster bisque, was highly lauded by the jury. A former UK Master Chef, Thomas highlighted the biggest challenge of the competition as the pace, claiming that preparing several dishes in such a short time was daunting. The jury, composed of renowned chefs and celebrities included two Michelin-star chef Philippe Etchebest from Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Italian culinary icon Carlo Cracco, cofounder of Oceanwave Monaco and superyacht chef Duncan Biggs, and Latin-American cuisine promoter, Jeeny Maltese. The artful presentation aboard the 28.7-metre Shockwave (now known as Bise I) made for an even more significant occasion. Bernard d’Alessandri, YCM director and general secretary expressed great delight in seeing rising enthusiasm for the contest, praising its support of young generations in their dreams of pursuing a maritime culinary career. The victory of Aaron Thomas, on the famed 33.5-metre Mangusta motor yacht Canvas, hence sets an inspiring precedent, redefining gourmet dining out at sea.