Tips for Provisioning & Preparing Meals on Board

Boat Cooking Made Easy: Your Guide to Provisioning and Preparing Meals on Board

Provisioning and cooking on a boat largely depend on the type of yacht charter. If you are sailing on a crewed yacht, whether a sailboat, catamaran, motor yacht, or gulet, the onboard crew will handle food provisioning and meal preparation. Your responsibility is simply to provide a preference list in advance so the crew can order all necessary ingredients.

However, if you are chartering a bareboat yacht, boat cooking becomes your responsibility. Many first-time sailors wonder: Is it possible to cook on board? The answer is yes! Boat cooking is entirely feasible, but it comes with unique challenges. Space for food storage and kitchen appliances is limited, and the galley is often more compact than a traditional home kitchen.

Catamaran Lagoon 46 Kitchen - Photo © Nicolas Claris

Tips for Stress-Free Boat Cooking

Planning is the key to making shopping and cooking on a boat enjoyable. You can buy groceries upon arrival at the charter base, directly in the marina, or from nearby supermarkets and green markets. Another convenient option is to order groceries in advance from a local supplier. Many companies allow online orders—just provide the boat name, marina, and preferred delivery time. Avoid early morning deliveries in busy marinas to ensure a smooth provisioning process. One reliable option is Jam Yacht Supply.

Croatian markets offer a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and pantry staples. If you follow a specific diet, consider bringing specialty items with you. Keep in mind that you don’t need to stock up for the entire week: boats have limited storage space. During your sailing trip, you can replenish supplies at island markets, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Visiting local green markets is also a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the culture and interact with locals.

Essential Boat Cooking Equipment

Most boats come equipped with basic kitchen amenities, including utensils, a stove, and an oven. Boats with upgraded kitchens may also feature microwaves, additional refrigerators with freezers, iceboxes, coffee makers, dishwashers, ice makers, and grills. Planning your meals in advance will save time at sea and make boat cooking simpler. Create a menu based on your preferences and those of your group.

Healthy and Simple Boat Cooking

The key to successful boat cooking is to keep meals simple, healthy, and easy to prepare. Avoid dishes that require long cooking times or complex preparation. Ideal boat meals include:

Pasta and risotto
Fish dishes
Fresh salads
Sandwiches

Avoid heavy, greasy meals, especially in the summer heat. Stock some frozen and canned foods as backups for unexpected situations.

Provisioning list sample download

Discover Local Cuisine While Sailing

One of the joys of boat cooking is the opportunity to complement your meals with local specialties. While exploring the Adriatic, stop at island restaurants to enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Sampling regional dishes not only adds flavor to your trip but also gives you a deeper connection to the local culture.