2026 USSA Crew Night
Featuring our Charter Show Crew Competitions

CHEF COMPETITION - june 23, 2026

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 22nd at Noon, the participating chefs will meet in the main tent to choose their ingredients.

Judging will take place on Tuesday, June 23rd 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.

A fun and increasingly popular trend among yacht chefs this year is serving guests “family style.” While the appeal of this service style may center around convenience and the communal experience of sharing and serving dishes at the table, it also creates an exciting opportunity for chefs to showcase both their culinary creativity and refined plating techniques.

This year, competing chefs will be required to present four family-style courses, including one dessert course. Each dish should reflect elevated cuisine that demonstrates a sophisticated palate, impeccable technique, and thoughtful presentation designed for shared dining.

In addition to flavor and ingredient selection, presentation will play a significant role in the judging criteria. Entries will be created using standard pantry ingredients and products, including proteins, produce, and specialty items provided by National Marine Suppliers, highlighting provisions sourced through their exclusive Northeast Provisions network of farms and vendors.

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

Currently Registered (8 spots available):

1. M/Y AWAY
2. M/Y No Surrender
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Yacht48 - june 23, 2026

Can you write, shoot, and edit a film in just 48 hours?

YACHT48 is a fast-paced filmmaking challenge where teams of 1–4 crew members race against the clock to create an original short film from concept to final cut — all within two days and while incorporating surprise creative prompts revealed at kickoff.

Comedy, thriller, documentary, action, horror — the genre is yours to choose. The challenge is making it creative, authentic, technically sharp, and unforgettable.

With most footage required to be captured during the competition window, YACHT48 is all about teamwork, storytelling, problem-solving, and showcasing the personality behind the industry.

No Hollywood budget required — just imagination, hustle, and the courage to hit record.

“48 hours. One film. Endless bragging rights.”

Currently Registered:
1. M/Y No Surrender
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Captain & DEck CHALLENGE - june 23, 2026

The Captain & Deck Challenge will take place on Tuesday, June 23 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 No Surrender
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TABLESCAPING COMPETITION - june 24, 2026

This competition is open to all interior crew onboard yachts participating in the Newport Charter Yacht Show and will take place on Wednesday, June 24 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 Avalon
2. M/Y Avalina
3. M/Y No Surrender
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Signature Cocktail Competition - june 24, 2026

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 24 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 Avalon
2. M/Y Avalina
3. M/Y No Surrender
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