Cooking on board a yacht

COOKING ON BOARD A YACHT

One of the benefits of a luxury 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 tuck-ing into a homemade feast with friends and loved ones. Cooking on board a yacht however can be quite a differ-ent experience, and takes a little more planning than your usual meal.

TIPS FOR ONBOARD COOKING

Check what you already haveHave 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.

You may want to consider this ahead of time, especially if you are venturing on a lengthy trip, as it may be quite nice to have some of your favorite cooking utensils with you.

PLAN FOR THAT NICE GLASS OF WINE

Plan your meals wellWhether 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 al-cohol. There would be nothing worse than running out of your fa-vorite Cabernet Sauvignon half way through your vacation trip, or be-ing 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.They do however say that the effects of alcohol at sea are amplified so make your own call.


Name the chef Depending on how many of you are on board, you may want to con-sider giving one or two people the responsibility for all cooking duties and anything kitchen related. This way the plans will be more likely to be followed, and duplicate ingredient buying avoided.

In most groups there is one natural person who loves to cook who would like to step forward, they may need assistance every now and again but it can be a weight off ev-eryone’s mind if it is clear who is responsi-ble for keeping bellies full.


Balance out your mealsOn board a boat, it will be impossible for you to eat fresh ingredients with every meal. They are harder to store and can go off quicker. This is another reason why planning is of great importance. You will need a good stock of dry, store cupboard style foods to ensure you will never go hungry should there be a problem with the refrigeration unit at any point during your trip.

Of course, if you are in a suitable environ-ment, and have the skills and equipment, you may want to make an activity out of catching yourself a fish supper a couple of nights – but just remember you cannot count on a bite.


Safety when cookingYou need to know what kind of stove/hob/oven you are working with. Be sure you know how to work your cooking facilities before setting sail, and ask if you are unsure.

With stoves you will need to know how to light it safely, and also how to control the supply of fuel that goes into cooking your dish.

In addition to this, with open flames aboard, you will want to make sure that you know where the appropriate fire related equipment is. And also where the first aid kit is should you have a culinary related accident.


Space is at a premium

It goes without saying really, but we shall say it anyway – space on board is very limited. You need to consider this when doing your shop, and when packing for your trip in general.

Food is a necessity and so should take priority in terms of storage space on your yacht.

There may be times when repackaging items is a good idea to ensure you are only taking with you the quantity needed.


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. You may want to ask about the garbage disposal practices and allowances.

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.

EXAMPLES OF GOOD FOODS TO COOK

• 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

• 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