book2sail-Webp.net resizeimage 43 min

Cooking is probably the last thing that you want to think about while you’re on a sailing holiday. However, hear us out for a minute: it is possible to create delicious meals and snacks with the least amount of effort but Mediterranean destinations such as Greece, Italy, Spain, and France are all countries where good food is ingrained in the social fabric. Indeed, the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, world-renowned cheeses, olives and the like makes it very easy for the locals to eat well at every meal. Open air or closed markets where one can buy a cornucopia of sun-ripened fruit and vegetables are a very common occurrence and it is where the locals shop for the freshest produce.

boat hire marmaris turkey

One can also find several local bakeries selling the freshest bread that you can think of or little grocery stores selling big chunks of local cheese or luscious olive oil. So why not embrace this habit? All that is required is a quick Google search to discover the markets and shops that are the closest to your yacht marina or port of call. You will be experiencing the city like a savvy local, supporting regional producers and eating scrumptious food in the process. So, without further ado, these are our four favorite things to concoction while sailing during the summer months.

Panzanella

book2sail-panzanella

Source: NYT Cooking – NY Times

Panzanella is an Italian salad recipe through and through but you can recreate it anywhere in the Mediterranean since you can find sweet ripe tomatoes and crusty bread everywhere. All that you need to do is chop the tomatoes and cube the bread (a stale loaf from the previous day works like a charm), add some onions and whip up a quick vinaigrette. Mix everything together and let the bread absorb all the flavors while you take a dip in the sea.
We are particularly fond of The Kitchn’s version with cucumbers and sweet peppers for an additional crunch.

Marinated Olives and Feta Cheese

book2sail-marinated olives and feta

Source: EatingWell

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This is the ideal appetizer to make if you’re sailing in Greece and you happen to come across Kalamata olives (or any other delicious looking olives, for that matter). This recipe does not require any actual cooking since all you need to do is prepare an easy marinade for the olives and the Feta cheese cubes.
Prepare in advance and then serve with a big plate of Pita bread triangles as the perfect accompaniment to those sunset drinks on the deck.

Spaghetti Aglio, Olio, e Peperoncino

book2sail-spaghetti peperoncino

Source: Dottor Salute

Here’s an easy one if you’re your craving a big plate of pasta but no inclination to spend too much time cooking. Indeed, there is little else that needs to be done apart from boiling the water for the pasta and cooking garlic, chili peppers and parsley in olive oil. When the pasta is ready, simply add to your fiery garlicky mixture for a quick toss and enjoy.

Easy but very effective against cravings that need to be satisfied, pronto.

Pan Seared Peaches with Honey

book2sail-pan seared peaches

Source: Feeding Your Appetite

This is a very simple but the scrumptious treat to prepare if you happen to come across some gorgeous peaches. Simply place sugar sprinkled peach halves in a saucepan and let them cook for a few minutes. Drizzle them with a little bit of honey and serve with some Greek yogurt or perhaps a little bit of Mascarpone cheese (depending on which country you’re visiting) and a handful of chopped nuts.
This recipe is perfect for dessert but it would also be great as a slightly indulgent mid-morning snack.

Frequently asked questions

  • 1
    What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?
    • Travel Documentation

      Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

      Medication

      Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

      Money & Additional expenses

      It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

      Research

      Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

      Supplies

      As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

      Clothing

      Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

      Equipment

      All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

  • 2
    What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?
    • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

      • Your level of experience
      • Where you will be chartering
      • The time of year and associated weather conditions
      • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

      It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

      And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

  • 3
    Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
    • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

      Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

  • 4
    What is an APA?
    • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

      The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

      Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

  • 5
    What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?
    • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.

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Charter a yacht with Book2Sail

Book2Sail makes you feel that when it comes to chartering a boat, there is no limitation. You can choose any form of boat at any time and anywhere (catamaran, sailboat, motorboat, jet ski). Whether you’re sailing in August with a catamaran to explore the Dalmatian coastline or spending Easter holidays in the French Riviera, you will find your dream boat.

Our team of chartering specialists are ready to assist you to make your chartering experience as easy as possible. We have different itineraries to cater for any type of activity you choose to do, once you are ashore.

Get in touch now and Book2Sail today.