There was a little extra magic on the docks at this year's Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show! Top Notch Tabletop brought together 20 talented crew members, 10 spectacular yachts, 7 creative categories, 3 fabulous judges, and 9 generous sponsors for another celebration of the imagination, dedication, and incredible talent found behind the scenes of yachting.
And what a showcase it was!
From “Apple Picking in the Fall” to “Texan Vibes,” the crews took our autumn-inspired theme in wonderfully different directions. Harvest traditions came to life, spices found their way well beyond the cocktail shaker, and each tablescape offered its own interpretation of Fall Under the Spell — Spiced by the Sea.
The creativity didn't stop at the place settings. One crew spent four days handcrafting a chandelier, carefully stringing individual pieces of cinnamon and beads into a remarkable centerpiece. Behind the bar, we sampled pumpkin-spiced espresso martinis, a passion fruit tequilarita, and an intriguing creation called Fire & Vine—one you'll definitely want to read more about!
It was the kind of creativity that reminds us just how much thought, preparation, and passion go into creating memorable experiences onboard.
More Than a Beautiful Table
To the captains, charter brokers, crew agents, and everyone who works alongside these talented professionals: take a closer look at the people behind these creations.
These are the crew members who think three steps ahead, find inspiration in the unexpected, and turn everyday service into something extraordinary. The same imagination that goes into designing a captivating tablescape carries through to themed dinners, guest celebrations, and those thoughtful little touches that make a charter truly unforgettable.
Ten yachts. Twenty crew members. Countless creative details. Each brought something different to the table, and together they made Top Notch Tabletop FLIBS 2026 a wonderful reflection of the talent within our industry.
The People Behind the Magic
Of course, no Top Notch Tabletop showcase would be complete without the people who help bring it all together.
Our judging panel was an absolute pleasure! Sarah Murphree, Chief Stewardess and founder of SARBIE, joined Lauren Beck of The Triton and yours truly, representing Aqualuxe Outfitting, to discover the stories, inspiration, and incredible work behind each presentation.
We were sorry to miss Irma Malabanan of Savvy Maritime Academy, who unfortunately had to cancel due to the flu. We missed you, Irma, and hope you're feeling much better!
A huge thank-you to Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV, who worked her magic behind the camera, capturing the details, personalities, and moments that made this year's showcase so special.
And to Jayne McManus, thank you for being such an invaluable part of TNT. 
Yachties Supporting Yachties 🤍
One of the things I love most about Top Notch Tabletop is the community that stands behind it.
This year, eight of our nine sponsors are former yacht crew—people who understand the long hours, demanding turnarounds, endless attention to detail, and pride that go into delivering exceptional service onboard.
That shared experience is what makes their support so meaningful. It's truly yachties supporting yachties.
A warm welcome to our first-time TNT sponsors, Kim Ahlum of Dolce Viaggio and Sarah Murphree of SARBIE. We're delighted to have you aboard!
Thank you to Alene Keenan of Etiquette Uncorked for generously donating an autographed copy of The Yacht Guru's Bible. We missed having you with us this year!
To The Cocktail Guru, thank you for adding your expertise and generosity to this year's celebration, to Julie Perry, and a particularly special thank-you to Irma Malabanan of Savvy Maritime Academy for donating three professional training certificates. Three of our 20 participants will have the opportunity to further develop their skills through hands-on interior training in Fort Lauderdale. What a wonderful way to invest in the next generation of exceptional yacht hospitality!
To every sponsor who contributed, supported, encouraged, shared and helped make this year's event possible: thank you for believing in the talent of our industry and the importance of celebrating it.
And Now… Meet the Crews!
Behind every beautiful tablescape is a crew with a story, an idea, and the determination to bring it to life.
To everyone who participated in Top Notch Tabletop FLIBS 2026, thank you for sharing your creativity, your time, and your passion with us.
You reminded us once again that exceptional hospitality isn't simply about beautiful things. It's about the people who bring them together, the thought behind every detail, and the memories they create for those fortunate enough to experience them.
Now, let's give these talented crews the spotlight they deserve! ✨
With deep appreciation,
Cris Clifford
Aqualuxe Outfitting | Founder of Top Notch Tabletop
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