Tips for cooking on the board

One of the benefits of a yacht charter is the ability to cook your favorites on board, and dine whenever you want with some of the best views the world has to offer. There is nothing quite like sitting on deck at sunset tucking into a homemade feast with friends and loved ones. Cooking on board a yacht however can be quite a different experience, and takes a little more planning than your usual meal.

• Check what you already have

Have a good look around the vessel before you venture out to the shops. See what equipment you already have so you know what you have available when it comes to cooking. There is no use buying tins for example if you do not have a tin opener. Do not take anything for granted – even the kettle or toaster.

• Plan your meals well

As well as the cooking equipment, you should plan out detailed menus for your stay aboard the boat. You need to think about breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks and beverages too. Having an idea of menu will make shopping for the ingredients needed for your journey a lot easier, make a list with quantities and all. You must also think about water provision on board. It is really important to keep well hydrated when sailing.

• Plan for that nice glass of wine – or several

Whether you are holidaying with friends, as a romantic getaway for two, or as a family trip, there will always be the need to plan for alcohol. There would be nothing worse than running out of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon half way through your vacation trip, or being unable to have that nice little nightcap. You will almost always get through more alcohol than you would first think, so plan it out, and then add an extra bottle or two on top of that.

• Think about what to do with the rubbish

With good planning, your food waste should be minimised, but you may also want to consider getting food with the least packaging so you do not become overrun by rubbish. Remember to keep your recyclables separate and to never dispose of any rubbish in the waters around you. We must keep the seas clean for you, and others to enjoy time and time and again. Discarded trash can be very harmful to marine life and wildlife and so you must ensure your rubbish is disposed of in the correct way when travelling by yacht.

EXAMPLES OF GOOD FOODS TO COOK ON BOARD

People tend to be hungrier at sea, and so it is good to have meals planned which allow people to go up for seconds. Think about – on board a lovely yacht you have more time on your hands, and you may be exerting yourself a little more than usual with all of the duties that come with renting a boat. Fruit, nuts, and crackers are great little energy boosters to keep handy throughout the day, but at dinner time, you will want something a bit more hearty.

  ONE POT WONDERS

Such as a stew, fajitas, soup, stir fry, Risotto.

  PASTAS

Bolognaise, carbonara, pesto, and various pasta bakes.

  RICE DISHES

Chilli, curry, paella

  SALADS

You can make some great salads out of canned mixed beans and packets of quinoa

  FISH

Whatever you can catch alongside a salad or some vegetables

Have a tasty time while sailing!