Good food is a huge part of a happy sailing holiday – and it starts with smart provisioning: stocking the boat with everything the crew needs for the week. Done well, it means fresh breakfasts at anchor, easy lunches under way and the freedom to eat aboard whenever a bay is too beautiful to leave. Here's how provisioning works on a sailing trip, what to buy, and how the shared food kitty keeps it simple and fair.
What is provisioning?
Provisioning simply means shopping for the boat before and during the trip. On a shared trip the crew usually does a big shop on the first day near the marina, topping up at village shops and markets along the way. It's a sociable job, and getting it right means fewer trips ashore and more time swimming. Most crews cook breakfast and some lunches on board, and eat dinner ashore in harbour tavernas – the best of both worlds.
What to buy
- Breakfast staples – bread, eggs, yoghurt, fruit, coffee and tea.
- Easy lunches – cheese, cold meats, salad, tomatoes, tinned tuna, crackers.
- Snacks for the cockpit – nuts, fruit, biscuits.
- Drinks – plenty of water (the most important item), plus soft drinks, beer and wine.
- Basics – olive oil, salt, pasta and a few store-cupboard meals for a night at anchor.
Buy fresh little and often from local markets – it's part of the fun – and don't over-cater; storage and fridge space are limited.
The food kitty
Rather than splitting every receipt, crews use a shared kitty: everyone chips in an agreed amount at the start, and all shared food, drink and sometimes harbour meals come out of it. It's simple, fair and avoids awkward maths. We break down the typical amounts in our guide to sailing holiday costs.
Prefer someone else to organise it all? Many of our sailing trips keep provisioning easy and sociable.
Frequently asked questions
Do we cook on board or eat out?
Usually both – breakfasts and some lunches aboard, dinners ashore in harbour tavernas, with the occasional relaxed dinner at anchor.
How much water should we take?
Plenty – water is the priority. Buy more than you think you need for drinking, and top up whenever you're in a harbour with supplies.
What is a food kitty?
A shared fund the crew contributes to at the start, covering all shared provisions and often meals out – simpler and fairer than splitting every bill.
Conclusion
Stock up smart, buy fresh along the way, keep plenty of water aboard and share a kitty – and you'll eat wonderfully all week. Ready to cast off? Explore our sailing trips.
