How to Keep Your Crew Well-Fed and Happy on a Boat Trip
How to Keep Your Crew Well-Fed and Happy on a Boat Trip
Planning meals for your boat trip is essential to keeping your crew members happy and satisfied. After all, a hungry crew can quickly turn a peaceful journey into a rebellious one. So, let’s avoid that by ensuring everyone is well-fed and content.
Prioritize Comfort Foods
While it’s important to maintain a healthy diet, there’s nothing wrong with occasionally indulging in comfort foods. Sailing under the sun—or in strong winds and rain—can be exhausting, and your crew will appreciate meals that are both nourishing and comforting.
Make Mealtime Special
How you present food matters. Mealtime should be something the crew looks forward to, so take a little extra care in how you serve it. Creative presentation can make even simple dishes more appealing. Plus, if you’re on a tight schedule, you might have to serve foods that aren’t at their freshest—so a great presentation can save the day and prevent waste.
Breakfast: Start the Day Right
On heavy sailing days, start with coffee and fruits like bananas, along with some whole-grain cookies. As everyone wakes up, a quick and popular breakfast is the Italian-style piadina.
To make it you'll need just a few simple ingredients. See the receipe below:
A Word on Eggs
Based on years of experience, we recommend avoiding eggs on a boat, especially in the summer. Eggs can easily break in the boat’s shaky environment, causing a mess in the fridge and creating a breeding ground for bacteria. The smell and difficulty in cleaning up eggs can be a hassle, particularly when washing dishes by hand in lukewarm water. Even the smallest egg spill can ruin your upholstery, making it a challenge to keep the boat fresh and clean.
Your Boat: The Best Restaurant
Over the years, we’ve found that even the best restaurant can’t compare to a dinner on your boat’s deck with your chosen crew. The summer season often means crowded restaurants, tricky mooring, and overpriced meals. So why not enjoy the extra effort of preparing a meal in your own cockpit? It’s worth it in the long run. At least you know what’s on the menu, how much it costs, and that the food you’re serving is fresh. Plus, there’s no waiting for a table!
Meat Over Fish
If you’re craving animal protein, meat is often a better option than fish while sailing. Unless you catch the fish yourself or buy it directly from a local fisherman, it’s safer to stick with meat. Preparing fish in a small boat kitchen can be time-consuming, and there’s always the risk of food poisoning or bad smells lingering in the fridge. Meat is easier to handle and usually more appreciated by the crew.
With these tips, your crew will stay well-fed and happy, making your boat trip all the more enjoyable. Bon appétit!
Check our the video with some of the foods and drinks we are mentioning here.
Italian Style Piadina
Mozzarella, Tomato, (optionally Prosciutto) Tortilla Wrap
Ingredients:
- 1 tortilla bread
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 fresh tomato, thinly sliced
- A few fresh basil leaves
- 2-3 slices of prosciutto (optional)
- Olive oil
Instructions:
Assemble the Wrap: Lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface. Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the tortilla. Arrange the tomato slices on top of the cheese. Add the fresh basil leaves and place the prosciutto slices on top.
Roll It Up: Carefully roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to secure the filling.
Heat the Pan: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into the pan, spreading it evenly.
Cook the Wrap: Place the rolled tortilla in the pan. Fry it for about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning it frequently to prevent burning. Cook until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Remove from the pan and let it cool for a minute. Slice it in half if desired, and enjoy it as a savory breakfast or a light brunch option.
Don’t Skip Cockpit Cocktail Hour
While promoting drinking while sailing might not be ideal, let’s be realistic—most boat trips aren’t alcohol-free. A moderate, planned cocktail hour can maintain the rhythm of the boat without descending into binging. Announce cocktail time to the crew (not before 5 p.m.), and offer a selection of two cocktails—one alcoholic and one alcohol-free—along with some beer, as a third choice. For alcoholic cocktails, consider something light and refreshing, like Lynchburg lemonade or Campari soda. For the alcohol-free option, a lemon mineral water spritz with lemon and apple pieces is a great choice. Don’t forget to serve nuts and fruits, and you’ll find that cocktail hour becomes a beloved tradition. This practice not only curbs hunger before dinner but also provides a perfect setting for lively cockpit conversations.
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How to Keep Your Crew Well Fed and Happy on a Boat Trip