PYA Table Setting Competition: Monaco Glam

This year at Monaco Yacht Show the PYA held their first ever table setting competition. OnboardOnline were invited to cover the event, following the judges on their journey through various interpretations of the theme ‘Monaco Glam’.

The objective of the contest was for the participants to show off their creativity, accuracy and skills in producing one table display following the theme provided. The challenge was to artistically decorate a dining table on board using the yacht’s own linen, china, tableware and accessaries. The Chief Stew could choose to set-up either an interior or exterior table, with a formal or informal interpretation of the theme.

The competition was open to interior crew on board all sizes of yacht participating in the Monaco Yacht Show this year, with categories for under and above 45 meters.


The expert judges this year were:

Peter Vogel of Interior Yacht Services
Charlotte Roch of Shore Solutions
Barbara Dawson of Camper and Nicholsons
Isobel Odendaal of Superyachting South Africa
Bradie Mustoe Chief Stewardess of M/Y Solandge

 

During the course of the judging the entrants were graded on the following criteria:

Presentation and etiquette of the participating crew (15 points)
Presentation of the table setting (15 points)
Composition and accuracy of settings (25 points)
Creativity and originality (15 points)
Execution of the theme (15 points)
Artistry and use of materials (15 points)
 
All of the yachts that participated put in a fantastic effort to compete for the incredible prizes available. We saw a wide range of talent and learned a lot about the differences between aesthetic beauty and technical accuracy. 

Here are the proud winners: 

M/Y Zenobia, 1st Place over 45m and best presented crew

This team went for a classic take on Monaco Glam, using the minimal of decorations and plentiful flowers on board. The owner is said to have quite simple tastes and the crew tailored their interpretation in line with this. They used some creative floristry to create a ‘Grace of Monaco-esque’ table which was timeless and elegant. The judges also commented that the whole experience on board was seamless - from the welcome with cool towels to the professional demeanour of the crew throughout their time on board.
M/Y Lady Linda, 2nd Place over 45m and most enthusiastic crew

With a highly enthusiastic welcome from the Chief Stewardess and Captain, (who added to the theme by looking very dapper in his whites) we were shown into the main salon. Here we were given a glass of champagne before being shown to the table, which featured plentiful crystal, cigars and silver goblets etched with the yacht’s name. It was an all out glam experience!
 
M/Y Flying Dragon, First Place under 45m

Following the colours of the Monegasque flag, this table was a more minimal take using flower petals strewn along the table, silver cups overflowing with blue beads and an assortment of delicate candles in various heights. The red napkins contrasted with the pristine white of the table cloth and chairs for a classic look. 

 

M/Y 2B, Second Place under 45m

With an unusual twist this team informs us that the owner of this vessel likes to keep dining very casual, using plastic cutlery and having to improvise massively with decorations.
 

Other notable entries included:

M/Y Bandido

This Sole Stew was entered by her captain as a last minute challenge, which she happily rose to. Given a tight budget for decorations as this yacht usually doesn’t use them, she gathered trinkets of Monaco and arranged them creatively along the sun deck table.

M/Y Baton Rouge

This team completed the Monaco Glam theme to a t - even dressing up to match the table with tiaras and dresses. The table itself featured martini glasses filled with jewels and poker chips, and red Piper Heidseck champagne was elevated on silver stands. The napkins were a lovely addition, for the men there were little tuxedos and the women had miniature dresses.

Congratulations to all of the entrants and winners, we hope you enjoy the lovely prizes kindly donated by:
Superyacht Luxury, The Crew Academy, Boutsen, Crew and Concierge, Fiona's Atelier, IYS, France Montgolfiers, Fine Wine Works and Chrislis Beauty Essentials.