The following tips and tricks for eating well on the water should ensure that your Tubber Experts are always here to help!
Keep it as simple as possible
The key word for cooking, dining or snacking aboard a sailing vessel is SIMPLE. The simpler you make it, the more enjoyable your time on board will be - it's that simple! Here's how to make it happen:
- Leave the roast turkey at home. Despite the fact that you might crave a hearty turkey or even chicken like you always make at home, it's much better to stick to simpler meals.
- Bring ingredients that have a longer shelf life. You don't want to have to throw away most of your produce; that's both a waste of money and space.
Prepare well in advance
The second most important word to keep in mind? Prepare in advance! The last thing you want is to climb on board and be eager to set sail, only to realise you have no idea what you are going to eat that day once hunger strikes. To avoid just eating granola bars and crisps, here are a few tricks you should know:
- Write out a list of your chosen meals in advance before you set out and add the recipes of each meal to your meal list.
- Consider preparing meals in advance and then freezing them, so you only have to worry about reheating them - which means you have more time left for fun things and less time to cook. Just make sure you leave time for defrosting!
- Inform your guests and other passengers in advance if anyone has any allergies (such as gluten or wheat), so everyone can enjoy the same meals together.
Non-perishable items are life savers
Although you obviously have a fridge and/or freezer on board, having non-perishable items ready to go as snacks can be very handy. When you are on the water, you will get a craving for something to snack on in between all the fun you are having, so take note of these tips on what to bring:
- Non-perishable snacks you can add to your shopping list before you leave include: chips, dried fruit, beef jerky, granola bars and trail mix.
- For meals, consider bringing a few boxes of your favourite pasta - but make sure you only boil the water when the boat is docked or at anchor to avoid spills or possible burns.
Barbecue till your heart's content
Barbecuing is not only super simple and easy, but it also makes cooking more enjoyable because you prepare your food outside instead of in that tiny kitchen on board. If you haven't yet invested in a boat-ready BBQ, we recommend doing so before you set sail.
Use common sense
Last but certainly not least, one of the most important things to keep in mind if you want to eat well on the water - use common sense when cooking and preparing food on the water. Here are a few examples:
- Never BBQ indoors.
- Don't cook anything while on bumpy water (not even docked).
- Save as much water as possible.
- Never leave a knife on the kitchen counter.
- Avoid using glass dishes or cups at all costs.