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| Caribbean Sailing Articles |
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Charter Sailing - Food And Provisions
If you charter a crewed vessel, the contract usually includes provisions and a cook. Many chartering agencies offer provision packages or meal plans. Depending on the company and the quality you choose (gold, platinum, etc.), these could range from 20 dollars to 50 dollars each day per person. The cook prepares the food and cleans up the galley (kitchen on a ship) according to how and when you like your meals. For example, a 7-day meal plan may include 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 4 dinners and the cook serves them whenever you want them. Charterers who buy meal packages rarely complain about not having enough to eat. Having a cook and provision package allows you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about going hungry or running around town to restock your supplies. However, you might find that you prefer dining onshore to onboard, as statistics show that the average charterer eats at least 4 dinners and more than a few lunches in town on a 7-day trip. Most people on sailing trips tend not to bother much with breakfast either, wanting to take a morning swim and explore the waters instead. Furthermore, some vacationers who desire privacy might not want an extra crew member aboard to fix their meals. For a more cost effective approach, especially if you charter bareboat, you could order your own provisions and prepare the meals yourself. Large markets exist all over popular boat chartering areas. Simply place an order online for as much food as you need and have it delivered to the agency on the day you pick up your boat. However, certain foods in the Caribbean come pricier than they do in the United States, though most liquors are cheaper. You might want to bring your own dairy, frozen meats, and snack foods from home. If you feel you need to restock during your trip, plan your trip around mooring at one of the larger islands where supermarkets and open air markets tend to your needs. Smaller islands may not have a wide variety of choices, or any markets at all. All galleys should come with working refrigerators and running water. As regulation, you will find most kitchen appliances bolted down and handy supports on the walls to grab onto in case the boat rocks. As for garbage accumulated on an extended stay, simply drop it off where you make port. A tender might come to pick up your garbage for a charge per bag, or you go ashore and pay a lesser fee to put your trash in designated containers. Tanks, mounted low in the boat, provide your supply of fresh water. Another insulated tank heats water. Make sure you have a full tank before starting off and conserve when drinking, washing, showering, or cleaning. You should enough for the duration of the trip, but if the gauge indicates low water supply, you will need to anchor at a dock and buy some for about 15-20 cents a gallon. Some marinas, if you moor with them for the night, will offer you free water and ice. |
