book2sail-

We’ve written a whole article about simple but delicious food that you can prepare and enjoy directly on your boat. However, we also happen to be in love with Mediterranean food (yep, we’ve written an article about that one too) and we feel that it is also important to try out a variety of local specialties wherever you’re sailing around the Mediterranean Sea.

Nonetheless, trying to dissect a menu that is written almost entirely in a language that you don’t understand is certainly not ideal. For instance, French food is a favorite of Book2Sail but the menus can sometimes be a little cryptic. So, here’s a little handy-dandy guide to French culinary terms that will definitely make your life easier if you’re sailing in the South of France this summer.

Sauté

book2sail-saute

Source: The Great Courses Daily

This term sauté is used to describe the cooking process whereby something is shallow fried in a little fat or oil. The word literally means ‘jumped’ in French but its culinary meaning originated in the 19th century.

Flambé

book2sail-flambe

Flambé is another cooking process where alcohol is added to a hot pan and the food is basically ignited. As a result, the food acquires the flavor of the alcohol used and the chef gets to impress everyone at the table Also, #donottrythisathome.

Coulis

book2sail-strawberry coulis

Source: Epicurious

This term refers to a fruit or vegetable sauce that has been blended and strained to a smooth consistency. While a vegetable coulis is usually used to complement a savory dish, a fruit coulis is usually used to garnish desserts…white chocolate ice cream and raspberry coulis anyone?

Sablé

book2sail-sable

Source: La Cuisine de Bernard

This is hands-down our favorite French cookie and is basically the Gallic equivalent of shortbread. This cookie originated in 17th century Normandy and is named after the (apparently) beautiful Marquise de Sablé who was in attendance when the cookies were first presented in the court of Louis XIV.

Beurre Noisette

book2sail-Beurre Noisette

Source: Marti’s Wunderkueche

Although this term literally means ‘hazelnut butter’, in reality, it is a process through which butter is browned until it resembles the color of hazelnut and served as a sauce alongside fish, chicken or vegetables, amongst others.

Friccassé

book2sail-friccasse

Source: Law & Food

This term refers to pieces of meat that have been fried or stewed served with a thick white sauce. Julia Child famously described it as halfway between a sauté and a stew.

Au Poivre

book2sail-steak au poivre

Source: Eddie Merlot’s

This term literally means ‘peppered’ and refers to the cooking process where something is heavily seasoned (or served) with black pepper. The most known use is probably in steak au poivre; where the steak is encrusted in ground peppercorns prior to cooking and most probably served with a pepper sauce too.

Pissaladière

book2sail-pissaladiere 1

Source: Freshly made, every day

The pissaladière is essentially the French equivalent of pizza and usually consists of a thick(ish) dough that is topped with caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies. The pissaladière originated in Nice so it’s definitely something that you have to try if you’ll be sailing along the French Riviera this summer.

Duxelles

book2sail-Webp.net resizeimage 40 min

Source: Pinterest

This term refers to finely chopped mushrooms mixture which is used as a stuffing for meats or pastry.

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.