WORLD CLASS™ is delighted to announce that Jasmin Rutter from the 55m Vitters sailing yacht Marie has become the winner of the first ever Diageo WORLD CLASS™ Yachting Cocktail Competition. Competing against bartenders from 20 of the world’s finest yachts alongside the Antigua Charter Yacht Show throughout the past week, Jasmin was named the Diageo WORLD CLASS™ Yachting Bartender of the Year on Thursday, December 11, 2014.

Jasmin Rutter from sailing yacht MARIE becomes Winner of Diageo WORLD CLASS™ Yachting Cocktail Competition

WORLD CLASS™ – the industry’s most prestigious and respected mixology competition which finds and celebrates the best bartenders around the globe – partnered with Shore Solutions to highlight the fine drinking culture of the luxury cruise sector and introduced the inaugural competition to find the world’s most talented yachting bartender. Throughout the week-long competition, Jasmin and her competitors took part in a series of innovative challenges, inspiring premium serves using a collection of fine spirits from the Diageo Reserve luxury portfolio. After competing in the final challenges on Thursday afternoon, Jasmin secured her title after picking her mystery box, which included Fresh watermelon, coriander, black pepper, elderflower liqueur and Ketel One vodka.  Jasmin amazed the judges with how she coped under pressure and managed to create a stunning well balanced martini cocktail.

A beautifully balanced, thoughtful cocktail by presented by Jasmin Rutter from superyacht Marie

With her win, Jasmin is the first to advance to the 2015 WORLD CLASS™ global finals and compete against the world’s most exceptional bartenders in South Africa next year. There she will compete against over 50 of the world’s most talented bartenders to be named Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS™ Bartender of the Year.

“I am in shock, I felt like I have been a sponge absorbing knowledge this week and cannot believe I have won! To have the superyacht industry in this competition now is incredible, and to be the first representative is a huge honour. This week has been great for our crew, and has been a massive team effort. Having 4 of us in the final six was incredible, I am so proud of our girls,” said Rutter.

Jasmin Rutter from Marie Yacht at work

Charles Joly, 2014 Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year, said: “I was impressed by Jasmin’s skill and passion throughout the competition this week, she showcased poise, presented beautifully balanced, thoughtful cocktails and kept a level head. I look forward to watching her compete against the best bartenders in the world during the Global Finals in South Africa next Autumn.”

Matteo Fantacchiotti, Global Vice President Commercial, DIAGEO RESERVE, said: “We are thrilled to have introduced this unique competition that brings together two popular luxury lifestyles. In our quest to enhance and improve fine drinking experiences – both on land and at sea – this week’s competition setting in Antigua was truly a celebration of the sophistication, creativity and refined art of cocktail making. We are delighted to have found our first 2015 WORLD CLASS™ global finalist, and look forward to finding her competitors in the months ahead.”