“Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.”

- Anthony Bourdain

 

The provisioning for a sailing trip – no matter if it is for a day or a week – is fundamental. You could prepare a spreadsheet to share with all members of the crew so everybody could share their preferences and thoughts about the menu - based on your absolute favorite dishes you can create a list of ingredients that make up your shopping list. Plan meals in advance and bring a list of necessary ingredients to the grocery store. Opt for non-perishable items and items that can be stored in a cooler or fridge. Bring a variety of spices and seasonings to add flavor to your meals. Keep it simple and don't overcomplicate meals, as cooking in a small kitchen can be challenging. 

 

First thing first. Water is essential and even if you have a water maker, you shouldn’t always rely on it. A variety of long-lasting vegetables is also a must. Furthermore, items that are regularly on the “canned” shopping list are tomato paste, corn, a variety of beans and lentils, tuna, salmon, anchovies, and various canned fruits for emergencies. Pasta, of course, is one of the best long-life products to bring with you, it is full of carbohydrates to give you energy and is truly quite compact. 

Due to the very limited space on the boat, you will have to get used to very little storage, very little refrigerated storage, and minimal prep room. Regardless of how much space you have onboard, it is not just about buying the food, it is about making sure that you stock enough supplies to sustain you even in the worst possible scenario - no matter where the journey takes you.

Here are some meal ideas for a sailing holiday:

  • Breakfast:

Cereal or granola with milk or yogurt

Omelets or scrambled eggs with vegetables and cheese

Pancakes or French toast with fruit and syrup

Bagels with cream cheese smoked salmon, and capers

Fresh fruit and yogurt parfait

 

  • Lunch:

Sandwiches with cold cuts, cheese, and vegetables

Wraps with grilled chicken, lettuce, and hummus

Salads with mixed greens, grilled vegetables, and protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)

Quesadillas with cheese, beans, and vegetables

Grilled burgers or hot dogs with condiments and toppings

 

  • Dinner:

Grilled fish or seafood with roasted vegetables and rice or pasta

Grilled or roasted chicken or beef with potatoes and salad

Stir-fry with rice, vegetables, and protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)

Pasta with tomato sauce, meatballs, and garlic bread

Tacos or fajitas with grilled meat or vegetables, beans, and rice

 

  • Snacks:

Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges)

Trail mix or granola bars

Cheese and crackers

Hummus with vegetables or pita chips