If you think chartering a yacht is just about the views, think again. One of the most underrated and unforgettable aspects of a private yacht charter is having your very own chef onboard. We’re talking about world-class culinary talent with global experience and a passion for creating dishes you’ll still be dreaming about long after you step back onto the dock.
This isn’t room service. It’s a floating five-star restaurant curated just for you and your guests, tailored to your preferences, cravings, and curiosities. Whether it’s fresh-caught fish turned into sashimi on the aft deck, handmade pasta on a breezy Mediterranean evening, or a Thai curry that rivals anything you’ve had in Bangkok, these are the best meals you’ll never find in a restaurant.
Let’s meet a few of the culinary powerhouses currently making waves aboard some of our standout charter yachts:
Chef: Thean Labuschagne
A South African talent with serious credentials, Thean brings Michelin-level skill wrapped in a laid-back, humble presence. He’s trained in everything from French patisserie to authentic Indian and Thai cuisine, and has helmed galleys on some of the biggest yachts in the world. Expect refined plates, global flavors, and technical precision, all effortlessly delivered.
Chef: Stuart Chambers
Hailing from Cork, Ireland, Stuart is all about big heart, bold flavors, and serious soul. With decades in the industry (and over 15 years with the STARFIRE program alone), his dishes feel like comfort food taken to a luxurious extreme. Think hearty, seasonal ingredients cooked with global inspiration and plated to perfection.
Chef: Sean Smith
Fine-dining finesse meets calm, creative energy. With training from Geranium and Le Manoir, Sean is a master of balancing technique with flavor-forward flair. His dishes are clean, elevated, and designed to impress—whether it’s a formal tasting menu or a casual beach barbecue done right.
Chef: Carmine Cericola
With two decades of experience and roots in classic Mediterranean cuisine, Carmine’s food is all about freshness, balance, and passion. He’s a wizard with handmade pasta, seafood, and sushi and thrives on the adrenaline of charter. Guests love his ability to adapt menus on the fly and keep every plate as vibrant as the scenery.
Chef: Alberto Affer
Over 30 years in the kitchen and a Michelin-starred past give Alberto the chops to create something extraordinary out of the simplest ingredients. He’s a storyteller with his food—warm, engaging, and wildly creative. His dishes blend Mediterranean soul with global influence, always beautifully presented and full of heart.
Chef: Ben Ehrke
Classically trained with a wild streak of wanderlust, Ben brings French technique and African soul to every dish. His time in South Africa’s top restaurants shows in his refined style, but his love for the outdoors and simple, beautiful food keeps things grounded. He’s got the rare ability to make you feel both spoiled and at home.
Chef: Graham Stephenson
Graham’s style is deeply rooted in coastal Canada and the sea-to-table ethos. Back aboard KING BABY by popular demand, he’s all about spotlighting local ingredients and letting flavors shine. His food is thoughtful, clean, and full of character. Think lobster rolls with a twist or fresh herbs straight from a local market.
A yacht charter is one of the only vacations where every meal is personal. No lines. No reservations. No dress code. It’s about trying something new, asking for that dish you once loved in Bali, or letting your chef surprise you with whatever’s fresh and local.
Ready to taste the world? Let’s get you onboard.
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