IYC charter fleet chefs win at the 2008 Concours de Chefs Competition in St Maarten

International Yacht Collection (IYC) is pleased to announce that Chefs from three yachts in the IYC's charter fleet have been awarded First, Second and Third Place in the 5th Annual MYBA St. Maarten Charter Show 2008 Concours de Chefs Competition.

The well known chefs competition, featuring the theme "The Spanish Influence upon Caribbean Cuisine," was once again a great success this year. In Division II (140 ft. and below), Amanda Hutching of Namoh took first place and John Chamberlain of Lucky Seven took second place in the competition. In Division I (Over 140 ft.), Christina Jones-Garcia of Tuscan Sun, has taken third place.

The premise of the Concours de Chefs is to recognize and showcase the outstanding culinary talent of professional chefs onboard the world's most exclusive yachts. "Yacht Cuisine" and the onboard culinary experience is one of the most exciting and memorable highlights of chartering.

Chef Amanda Hutchings' (M/Y Namoh) dishes included:

Grilled Citrus Glazed Swordfish on Toasted Bomba Rice "Couscous" with Roasted Peppers, Golden Raisins and Dried Mango accompanied by a Cilantro, Mint Mojo Sauce and Almonds.

Wine- Valserrano Blanco Rijoa, 2006 Bodegas d.la Marquesa

Warm Spanish Doughnuts over Corn and Molasses Ice cream, Lemon Dulce de Leche and Saffron Coulis

Codorniu Reserva Raventos, Brut Cava with Grapefruit Foam

Chef John Chamberlain's (M/Y Lucky Seven) dishes included:

Crispy Braised Pork Cheek, Curry Seared Tuna-Foie Gras with Froth-Yucca Puree-"Sofrito Reduction."

Followed by Mango Rum Flan Cake and Coconut Churro served with a Warm Orange Champurrado Sauce.

Chef Christina Jones-Garcia's (M/Y Tuscan Sun) dishes included:

Adobe dusted Red Snapper in Citrus Beurre Blanc with Island Mango and Black Bean Salsa and Coconut-Saffron Steamed Rice.

Followed by Dulce de Leche Soaked Almond Cake and Rum Poached Bananas with Passion Fruit Cream.

IYC's yachts also went on to win several other categories.

The "Best Dessert" award went to Chef Matthew Banducci of Chevy Toy for his Soursop Icicle with Sugar Cane Juice, Sweet Milk & Coconut Tart Mango, with a Bitter Orange Gazpacho Rum Reduction.

First place for "Best Crew Service, Ambiance and Table Setting" went to the M/Y Namoh while M/Y Tuscan Sun tied for second place.

The "Best Yacht Hop Theme" went to the M/Y Azzurra II with Captain William J. Keiser and his crew for the Playboy/ Hugh Hefner theme.

Fore more information on the IYC Charter Fleet visit www.yachtcollection.com