Yachting is associated with romance by everyone. However, let's agree that romantic moods are not a priority on an empty stomach. Therefore, the question of organizing meals during a yachting journey is one of the key considerations. And it should be addressed in advance onshore, in the presence of all crew members.

What aspects of meal organization should be determined in advance? Firstly, the willingness to cook and clean up. Keep in mind that despite the fact that the galley on the yacht is equipped, it's still not a full-fledged kitchen. And even during motion, cooking isn't as convenient as you're used to. Secondly, what will be your route of movement? How often will you be able to make stops to stock up on necessary supplies? Will there be an opportunity to have lunch at coastal cafes? Thirdly, do any crew members have allergies to specific foods? When estimating the quantity of products to buy, remember that according to yachting etiquette, the skipper's meals are covered by the crew.

If your budget is limited and sea voyages will be lengthy, then cooking onboard is the most viable option. In such a case, it's necessary to prepare a list of groceries in advance and buy most of them right away at the departure port, while only purchasing perishable items during stops. Since the yacht's refrigerator only operates when the engine is running, perishable products like meat and fish are best purchased for one or two days. More details on what kind of groceries to take on board the yacht are provided later in this article.

The most optimal option, in our opinion, is a combination of cooking onboard and visiting coastal cafes in some ports. Firstly, you do want to try the local cuisine since you embarked on this journey for a reason. Secondly, cooking in the galley is limited to simple dishes due to the need to conserve gas on the yacht. And let's not forget about the motion of the yacht, which might make it impossible to prepare a full meal. By the way, it's a good idea to stock up on ingredients for making sandwiches, cookies, and canned goods for such cases.

If you're chartering a yacht, all the necessary utensils for cooking and serving are already onboard. However, you will need to buy cleaning supplies, wipes, and household chemicals. Don't forget about little things like dishwashing sponges, trash bags, paper towels, table and floor cleaning cloths (different ones!).

What should the food be like on a yacht? Firstly, it should be light and low in fat. This will reduce the chances of seasickness. Secondly, in the first few days of the journey, avoid coffee and strong tea for the same reason. Ginger tea can help reduce the likelihood of motion sickness.

Several tips for creating a grocery list:

  1. Bring plenty of fresh water. Thirst tends to be more pronounced at sea than on land. Ensure there's enough water for everyone and replenish your water supply during stops.
  2. Purchase products in airtight packaging. It's also advisable to get vacuum-sealed meat.
  3. Avoid buying products in glass containers.
  4. Have an ample supply of vegetables and fruits. However, make sure they don't spoil.
  5. Grains are easy to cook and can be stored for a long time, making them a logical choice for yacht provisions.
  6. Canned goods will come in handy when preparing a full meal is not feasible.
  7. Nuts and dried fruits can quickly satisfy hunger and serve as a healthy and satisfying snack.
  8. Don't forget to include cooking oil in your provisions.

Remember, planning ahead and considering the specifics of life on a yacht will help you create a well-rounded and practical grocery list.