Food Provisioning Made Easy
Provisioning and cooking on board are largely determined by the type of yacht charter. If you are sailing on a sailboat, catamaran, motor yacht, or gulet with a crew, the crew will deal with food provisioning and preparing delicious meals. Your part of the task is to send a preference list to the crew on time so they can order everything you need.
However, if you are chartering a bareboat yacht, you must make a provisioning plan and prepare meals. Guests who are sailing for the first time often ask if it is possible to cook on board. Yes, it is possible to cook on board, but you must keep in mind that you will be limited in space for preparing and storing food and kitchen appliances. On board, the kitchen is different from what we are used to at home.
Catamaran Lagoon 46 Kitchen - Photo © Nicolas Claris
How to turn shopping and cooking on board into fun? Plan well in advance. You can buy groceries on arrival at the charter base, in the marina itself, or in the nearby supermarkets and green markets. The other option is to order groceries in advance from a local supplier. You can purchase supplies online. In the order, you need to name the boat and the marina you are starting from, and the time when you want your food delivered. Make sure not to order delivery in the marina too early. You can order provisioning from Jam Yacht Supply.
You can find a large selection of groceries in Croatian markets. If you have a particular diet plan and you are not sure you will find it in Croatia, take it with you. It is important to note that it is unnecessary to buy groceries for the whole week in advance. The boat has limited storage space. During the sailing week, you can replenish the food stocks on the islands, especially fresh food like fruits and vegetables. It is a wonderful experience to have the chance to enjoy a local green market and interact with the residents of the area.
Cooking on the Boat Made Easy
Every boat has basic kitchen amenities, utensils, and a stove with an oven. It is common for boats with better equipment to have a microwave, a second refrigerator with a freezer, an icebox, a coffee maker, a dishwasher, an ice maker, and a grill. It is wise to plan ahead to make life easier at sea and spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. Plan your menu based on what you usually eat and what you like to eat. Before embarking on a charter, if you are traveling with a group of friends, make sure you are aware of the likes and dislikes of each of them.
Provisioning list sample download
Breakfast on board Lagoon 570 Mala
The primary key to onboard cooking is to keep it healthy and simple. Avoid preparing dishes that require longer heat treatment or are complex to prepare. Dishes such as pasta, risotto, fish, salads, and sandwiches are easy to prepare and delicious. Avoid heavy and fatty foods, especially during the summer heat. Make sure that you pack some frozen and canned food in case of an unexpected situation.
There is nothing more satisfying than sampling local specialties when visiting and sailing the Adriatic. By exploring local cuisine, you get a taste of some delicious dishes based on the Mediterranean diet. There are a lot of great restaurants on the islands, offering great food and excellent service.
Traditional Croatian dish - Peka