The Boatbookings team spent a week in the BVI sampling menus aboard luxury yachts and is excited to announce the winners for the 2025 culinary competition.
A week spent in the BVI has the Boatbookings team excited about the 2025-2026 charter season. The Florida team spent the week browsing tablescapes, tasting desserts, and sampling gourmet entrees. At the end of the show, a competition was held to see who made a lasting impression. With the overarching theme, “Port of Call,” chefs were challenged to recreate and elevate a dining experience that was reminiscent of a place they were drawn to. After all the votes were counted, the standout chefs emerged. It is our pleasure to announce the winners of the Culinary Competition from the 2025 BVI Yacht Show.
Table Setting
Set by the lovely Sarai Ben Ari, the tablescape was an ode to the Vikings, with earthy colors of pine and terracotta. The setting was meant to mimic the warming landscape of the Nordic regions. Sarai has a passion for the outdoors and loves creating experiences that take guests all around the world. Her adventurous spirit is part of what makes chartering with SIETE MARES a journey in itself.
Cocktails
Captain Emilia, or Milla, approaches each charter with an infectious passion for sailing and an unfailing sense of adventure. She seeks enjoyment in all that she does, including work. This helped her win the award for Best Cocktail at the 2025 BVI Yacht Show. Her energy is tangible on charter and allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the island lifestyle.
Appetizer
When it comes to creating menus for clients, Cole Lackey operates on a “from scratch” basis. He took this approach when creating an appetizer for the show. Inspired by Asian cuisine, Cole marinated sushi-grade salmon and paired it with toppings such as seaweed salad and pickled onions. While he enjoys experimenting with Asian dishes, Cole thrives on creating an international menu that meets each guest’s dietary needs and preferences. With the 2026 charter season just beginning, Cole is excited to create unforgettable dining experiences for guests.
Entree
Kiki Bouman took on the culinary challenge and won best entree for her dish, Kibbeling, a Dutch snack made of deep-fried fish served with a remoulade. Kiki tapped into her roots in the Netherlands to create the dish and she elevated it with garnishes, including caviar. This type of care and attention is woven into every meal she serves to guests. After a great show, Kiki is excited for an incredible season in the BVI.
Dessert
Growing up cooking alongside her family, Ulrika Fredrikson brings generations of perfected recipes and mastered techniques to the galley, helping her win the award for Best Dessert. She enjoys creating unique experiences for guests by making homemade breads and ice cream, and believes cooking is a way of celebrating local flavors and keeping beloved traditions alive. With special flavors of ice cream and sensory-rich plating details, Ulrika will elevate any meal to create lasting memories.