- Sailing Croatia tips
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by Ultra Sailing Team
Finding a free handcart (trolley) for transporting supplies to the boat and checking the pre-departure checklist to ensure nothing vital is forgotten are one of the main stressors on a sailing vacation. Arriving at the marina bustling with excitement, guests often find themselves navigating through the array of trolleys, eager to secure one for their provisions. Once aboard, the rush to complete the pre-departure checklist adds to the anticipation and sometimes nerves.
Upon stepping aboard, hunger and thirst often strike immediately, particularly after the journey to the marina or while unpacking belongings. These initial pangs of hunger and thirst, coupled with the anticipation of setting sail, can lead many charter guests to feel a tad nervous at first glance.
Fortunately, accessing food and beverage supplies has become significantly easier in recent times, thanks to the proliferation of small shops and markets dotting the coastlines of both islands and the mainland. Whether you find yourself in a small village harbor or a bustling coastal town, provisions are readily available, allowing you to stock up on essentials and indulge in local delicacies.
However, regardless of whether you opt for a sailboat or a catamaran, it’s crucial to recognize the space limitations on board. From the storage capacity, including the fridge and pantry space, to considerations of water, electricity, and gas consumption, meticulous planning for onboard food and provisions is essential.
Provisioning planing on spot
We typically suggest our guests on when it’s permissible to start bringing luggage and groceries on board. It’s usually best to let the skipper handle the boat handover first and then the rest of the crew can start to load the boat. However, we suggest to be in touch with our charter staff on spot, to help you coordinate provisioning and ensure smooth logistics.
In recent times, online food suppliers have gained popularity, offering a convenient solution for provisioning. With just a few clicks, you can pre-order food online and schedule delivery directly to your boat, saving you time and hassle. To utilize this service, be sure to place your order at least a week before your charter begins. If you need assistance or a link for onboard provisioning, please let us know.
This online ordering option proves particularly convenient, especially on Saturdays, which are busy changeover days at marinas. The influx of guests can make roads and supermarkets bustling, so pre-ordering allows you to sidestep the added pressure of in-store shopping. Additionally, most marinas boast nearby supermarkets where you can pick up any additional items you may have missed to order online.
If you haven’t managed to place an online provisioning order, don’t worry. You still have options for provisioning on-site. You can use your own vehicle (if available) or arrange a transfer (Taxi or Uber) to the supermarket. Alternatively, you can explore the nearby markets and shops to purchase food and beverages for a day or two, allowing you to handle the rest of your provisioning during your stay on one of the islands.
Restaurant or Boat
When it comes to dining during a sailing vacation, we categorize our charter guests into three groups.
Firstly, there are those who prefer to do everything on board – from breakfast, lunch to dinner and even enjoying their coffee in the morning or afternoon. For them, the galley and the cockpit are the heart of activity, with occasional trips ashore for island excursions, swimming or restocking supplies.
The second group adopts a mixed approach to the first, sometimes opting for onboard breakfasts or cooking, but consistently seeking harbor-side and ashore restaurants for dinner. Morning coffees are savored along promenades or in cities where the boat is moored, reserving onboard meals for lunch while anchored or on a buoy. Evenings are often spent dining out, relishing local cuisine and wines at restaurants.
Lastly, there are those who opt for the luxury and convenience of chartering with a skipper and hostess or chef. Entrusting the culinary reins to a skilled professional, they collaborate closely to curate a bespoke dining experience tailored to their tastes and preferences. From menu planning to provisioning, the hostess or chef assumes responsibility for all culinary matters, ensuring that every meal is delicious. While two meals a day are typically prepared onboard, dinner becomes an opportunity to venture ashore and sample the delights of local cuisine. Guided by the skipper’s expert recommendations and insider knowledge, discovering culinary treasures in coastal villages and seaside towns.
If you belong to either of the first two groups who prefer to cook onboard before setting sail, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the available onboard equipment, including the stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator capacity, freezer space, pots, pans, and any other essentials you may need.
If you’re chartering with a skipper and hostess or chef, they will typically handle the inspection of the boat’s equipment. Your role is simply to communicate your food preferences and provisioning needs to the hostess or chef.
Guide for provision and supplies
Beverages on board
Water: It’s advisable to purchase six packages of water (6×1.5L) for a crew of six. Since water supply can be limited on some islands, it’s essential to ensure an ample supply to keep everyone hydrated throughout the journey, especially during hot weather. Please note that the water from onboard tanks is not potable and should not be consumed.
Wine, Beer, and Schnapps: Consider the preferences of your crew when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Discuss whether more wine or beer will be enjoyed during meals or leisure time on board. Additionally, a bottle of schnapps can add a celebratory touch to special moments, allowing you to toast to a successful day.
Coffee: For coffee enthusiasts, ensuring a satisfying cup of coffee is essential. Most of our charter boats offer three options for making coffee: mocha, espresso, and filter. Check with the charter company in advance to determine which type of coffee maker is available on your boat. Also on bigger sailing yachts and catamarans, mostly you have available a coffe machine like Nespresso and Dolce Gusto.
Consider providing additional beverages such as fruit juices, soft drinks, or herbal teas to cater to the diverse tastes of your crew.
Food on board
Planning meals for your sailing vacation is essential, and it’s crucial to involve the entire crew in the discussion, especially if there are children onboard. The general rule is to plan for long-lasting and simple meals that can easily be prepared onboard. Here’s a list of essential provisions to consider: bread (enough for the first 2 days), flour, breadcrumbs, sunflower oil, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, eggs, milk (in small packs), cheese, instant soups, stews, yogurt, mayonnaise, rice, pasta, spaghetti, jam, honey, salami, ham, sausage, potatoes and any other items you deem necessary for you and your crew’s preferences.
A word of caution: sweet foods like Nutella, jam, and honey should not be left in the cockpit as they quickly attract bees or wasps.
When it comes to fresh items like meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables, it’s advisable to purchase them along the way, particularly on the islands. This is especially true for fish, as local fishermen often sell freshly caught seafood, and many locals offer organic fruits and vegetables from their own gardens.
Regarding dividing kitchen duties, it’s essential to agree in advance on who will handle what tasks. Typically, the person with the most experience and enjoyment in food preparation takes the lead, while other crew members assist with tasks such as preparation, cutting, stirring, mixing, and washing dishes.
While sailing, it’s important to consider the conditions and plan meals accordingly. Opt for dishes that are easy to prepare and won’t require extensive cooking time or delicate handling. Quick and simple recipes like pasta with a tomato sauce or sandwiches with cold cuts and cheese are ideal for meals underway.
If dining at a restaurant, it’s wise to check the menu and prices in advance to avoid any surprises. Some islands, particularly those with limited connectivity to the mainland, may have higher prices for food and beverages due to transportation costs. Additionally, some restaurant owners may offer a complimentary berth on a buoy if you dine at their restaurant. It’s advisable to call ahead to reserve a table and inquire about any included amenities.
Regardless of whether you dine onboard or at a restaurant, the most important aspect is the company you keep and the overall mood of the crew. When there’s a sense of calm, harmony, and unity among the crew, every meal tastes better.
Bon appétit from Ultra Sailing Croatia!
