M/Y Trending winner of the 2016 Antigua Show Chefs Culinary Contest

Chef Blacker served his "Caribbean Surf & Turf" both for the Contest and for the two broker luncheons that were hosted aboard the yacht. Each dish of the three course meal was delicious and artfully presented but what captured the judges’ heart was the attention to detail that was put into the creations. Chef Blacker had researched the history of Antigua, as well as the island’s flora, fauna and local cuisine. The team commissioned plates from local artisan Nancy Nicholson with Arawak Indian designs that Desmond Nicholson, a key figure in establishing Antigua as a tourist attraction and yachting center, had found on the island. He used local ingredients including spinach and callaloo. The chef's unique culinary presentation was complemented by the Caribbean-themed tablescaping of Chief Stewardess, Sophie Bell and her team.

The yacht was immaculate, the crew warmly welcomed guests on board and Captain Randall performed several of the tours himself.

Chef Charlie Blacker believes that "eating is an intrinsic necessity in life, but eating well is an endless and joyous adventure".  He was born in Royal Berkshire, England and unlike many chefs, his love for food and cooking came at a later stage in his life after experiencing a series of influential happenings and meeting a diverse range of inspirational people. He came to realize that he simply had a creative void which needed filling; cooking and eating assuaged that hunger.  Once Chef Blacker found his life’s passion he succeeded in having an illustrious restaurant career in the UK, including working in Michelin-starred establishments.  In 2010, he decided to work on super yachts and has been loving it ever since.

"Our fabulous Chef, Charlie Blacker, was previously Head Chef of the Queen of England’s Polo Club.  He is happy to accommodate any food preferences and allergies on an individual basis.  Guests who may be paleo, glueten-free, vegan, or have a dairy, nut, or any food allergy can rest assured Charlie will accommodate. His life passion is his career. Your preferences are his opportunities to exceed expectations." Trending’s Owner says.

Built by Westport in 2006 and well-established as a popular charter vessel, over the course of 2015 and 2016 Trending underwent a major refit valued at $4 million and is in absolute peak condition. To find out more about Trending for charter click here.

To plan your own fun-filled, charter please contact the IYC office most convenient to you. IYC has offices in the Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale, Newport, Nantucket, St. Barths, St. Maarten, Monaco, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Malta and Turkey. To contact an IYC Charter Consultant click here.