Provisioning for a Sailing Trip – 8 Helpful Tips!

A fun and successful trip usually comes down to preparation. Provisioning for a sailing trip takes planning and decision-making that involves choosing what to bring and what to leave behind.

Like many sailors, I started out loading the boat down with too much stuff, thinking I would need way more than was necessary, but that is a common mistake.

You don’t want to be out on the water and realize you need something you don’t have, but I’ve broken down the essential provisions that will get you comfortably by without the need to overload the yacht.

fruit

 

Provisions

There are several ways to gather provisions for a sailing trip. You can pack basic staple items to get you where you are going and eat out for every meal, stock up at a local grocery store when you arrive, stock basic food items and shop for extra items upon arrival, or hire a provisioning service to deliver food to the yacht.

Any of these plans are viable, but I have found that mixing the plans works best and doesn’t strain your supplies as much.

I tend to stock up on basics due to the questionable availability of bread and affordable meat at local grocers and go out to eat on occasion to experience the local cuisine.

 

Storage

Don’t overfill the storage space if you plan to buy more provisions after you set off on a trip. Be sure to leave an appropriate amount of space without overcrowding storage space.

You really shouldn’t need that much stuff anyway. If you plan thoughtfully, there won’t be any problem making provisions last while you are on the move and away from the local shops.

Motor-yacht

 

Provisioning

Overbuying provisions are probably the most common mistake sailors make. You will never use everything you bring no matter how many passengers you have because you will certainly stop at restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and other eateries, at least, a few times.

Pack enough to make a few meals, snacks, and basic staple items. This will save you money and you can always pick up more provisions later if it’s necessary.

 

 Ice

Ice is a must have on a yacht, but you can’t exactly stock up on ice once and forget about it. Pick up a bag of ice whenever you are on shore to ensure there is always enough onboard.

Champagne

 

Oven

Charter a boat expecting to need never to use the oven. Yes, it’s there, but ovens on yachts are notoriously pointless. The outside heats up more than the inside, and they don’t bake well. Avoid the oven and stick to the stove to cook, or explore the island and find a nice, local place to eat.

 

Fridge

The fridge is another necessity, but this one drains power. Load coolers to capacity before storing provisions inside the fridge.

There is a possibility that you will still run out of space for items that need to be cooled. If you are aboard a large yacht, try using an extra fridge called a cooler box to hold the overflow.

 

Tank Water

Tank water is not drinking water, so you will have to deal with that separately. Tank water is used for cleaning and showering.

I conserve water while showering by only turning the water on when I need to get wet. I don’t allow the water to run as I lather up. This is especially helpful if you have a number of passengers aboard who would also like to bathe.

Another tip is to use biodegradable soap that will break down quickly in any type of water and be used for numerous purposes. You will use much less water with this type of soap!

 

Grill

Grills on a yacht tend to be small, so forgo that giant steak or cook burgers in small batches. I will make sliders, so less space is taken up and I can cook more at one time.

 

 

In Conclusion

My secret to provisioning is to write a list that is realistic. I ask myself if I really need something, will I use it, and will it be in the way. Plan your trip in the same way, and you will find that the clutter and useless items onboard the yacht will be dramatically decreased.

 

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What is your secret to provisioning for a sailing trip? Please share your experiences by leaving a comment below, I would love to hear your feedback!

7 thoughts on “Provisioning for a Sailing Trip – 8 Helpful Tips!”

  1. Hey there,

    I stumbled upon your site, which is amazing I must say! Such useful and quality content.

    Very well written and easy to understand, especially for beginners.

    I will definitely visit your site in the future, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us and good luck.

    Kind regards

    Ct.

    Reply
  2. Hi daniella,
    great tips! There is certainly a lot of planning necessary to make a successful voyage. I know ice is one thing I would not be forgetting to pick up while on shore!

    I sure the planning and making sure to bring enough of the right stuff gets to be much more crucial while planing for longer trips.

    I don’t have any experience sailing but I can relate to the resourcefulness necessary to be away from civilization. Though I am referencing back packing and camping in the mountains, which is nothing like the ocean.

    If I ran out of water I could find a stream or a lake. The ocean is the real test of preparation!

    Reply
    • Hi Zach

      Well, yes the sea is different from camping in the mountains. We often do camping in the mountains as well with friends and family and I personally think that it’s even easier on a boat because you have all the accommodation you need to store the provisions and if something is missing you can always stop in a marina and buy some stuffs in a grocery.
      Thank you for the comment and wish you an awesome day!

      Reply
  3. zach
    Your comment is awaiting moderation.
    Hi daniella,
    great tips! There is certainly a lot of planning necessary to make a successful voyage. I know ice is one thing I would not be forgetting to pick up while on shore!

    I sure the planning and making sure to bring enough of the right stuff gets to be much more crucial while planing for longer trips.

    I don’t have any experience sailing but I can relate to the resourcefulness necessary to be away from civilization. Though I am referencing back packing and camping in the mountains, which is nothing like the ocean.

    If I ran out of water I could find a stream or a lake. The ocean is the real test of preparation!

    Reply
  4. Really helpful article!

    I have recently started learning to sail. I’ve done a few days on a yacht off the west coast of Scotland. I’m just getting used to the basics but I’m looking forward to progressing and having my own yacht in the future. Any tips for me? 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Dave,

      I am glad to hear that you started learning to sail:) The only tip I can give you is to keep learning and practicing. There is no secret:)

      Thank you for passing by and for the comment

      Have a wonderful day!

      Reply

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