Set Sail

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Set Sail for?
Set Sail is written for people chartering a sailboat or small yacht—especially bareboat charters—who want simple, delicious meals without spending their vacation stressed about provisioning or cooking onboard.

Do I need chartering or cooking experience to use this book?
No. Whether this is your first charter yacht vacation or you’re an experienced sailor, Set Sail walks you through meal planning, provisioning, and cooking step by step in a clear, approachable way. The recipes are fool-proof and require minimal preparation.

Does this book help with grocery lists and provisioning?
Yes. Set Sail helps you plan meals in advance and create organized grocery lists before you leave home, making yacht provisioning faster, easier, and more efficient once you arrive at your destination.

Are the recipes suitable for small galleys?
Absolutely. All recipes are designed for limited space, minimal equipment, and the realities of cooking on a sailboat or small yacht.

Does the book support different dietary preferences?
Yes. Recipes are adaptable and designed to accommodate a variety of dietary needs and preferences within a group. Each recipe has the appropriate food labels, which include Gluten-free, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Shellfish, Red Meat, Poultry, and Fish.

Is this book focused on Caribbean sailing vacations?
While the recipes are inspired by Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors and well suited to warm climates, the planning and provisioning strategies work for charter yacht vacations worldwide.

How do you plan meals for a bareboat charter?
Start by planning your itinerary and deciding which meals will be eaten aboard. Choose simple, boat-friendly recipes that use minimal cookware and limited refrigeration. Calculate quantities carefully to avoid overbuying. Create a categorized grocery list before arrival.

How can I provision efficiently for a week-long yacht charter?
Efficient provisioning requires planning meals in advance, calculating portions realistically, prioritizing shelf-stable ingredients, and understanding your boat’s storage limitations. Detailed planning reduces food waste and saves money.

What foods store well on a boat?
Compact proteins (chicken breasts, fish fillets), canned beans, lentils, frozen vegetables, sturdy fruits (apples, citrus), and compact vegetables (carrots, peppers) store best.

How do you reduce food waste on a sailing vacation?
Cook once and eat twice. Grill extra protein for next-day salads. Use canned goods to reduce spoilage. Avoid bulky greens that wilt quickly. Plan one shelf-stable backup meal.