Cooking at Sea: How to Manage the Motion of the Ocean

By: Julie and Gio Cappelli, Pelagic Blue
Upcoming Live Class: GALLEY ESSENTIALS, THURSDAY, APRIL 17

Cooking aboard a cruising boat can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of life at sea. With limited space to cook and create, constantly moving work surfaces, and an ever-changing environment, preparing meals onboard often feels like an adventure in itself. But mastering the art of cooking at sea is important. In this article, we’ll explore the essential skills, gear, and techniques to manage cooking in motion, keeping things efficient, safe, and – most importantly – delicious.

Understanding the Impact of Motion on Cooking

When you’re out on the ocean, your galley becomes more than just a space for preparing food; it becomes an obstacle course of shifting surfaces and ingredients that occasionally take flight without permission. The constant pitching, rolling, and heaving of the boat can make even simple tasks like chopping vegetables or stirring a pot feel like a balancing act. Simple tasks like stirring, adding ingredients, or removing pots from the stove can become significantly more challenging when the boat is moving. And it’s not just the physical act of cooking – certain sea state conditions can make cooking even mentally challenging for the most seasoned sailors. The key to cooking successfully in a moving galley is learning to embrace and work with the motion of the ocean, rather than try to fight against it. Spoiler alert: the ocean always wins! Cooking during a passage means you often have to work quickly and smartly. Prioritize meals that are simple and don’t require too much attention – think “set it and forget it” dishes. Use time wisely by prepping ingredients in advance and focusing on quick-to-cook recipes while underway.

Must-Have Galley Gear for Cooking Underway

A well-equipped galley is important for any offshore cruiser. When the boat is in motion, having the right gear can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and efficient cooking experience. The most crucial piece of equipment for cooking at sea is a gimbaled stove, which keeps your pots level even when the boat rolls. Gimbaled stoves swing with the boat’s motion, so you can cook safely and comfortably without worrying about food sloshing over the edges of your pots, pans, or dishes. Without this, your pots and pans will slide across the stove, spilling food or even causing dangerous burns. And any attempts at baking will result in ramp-shaped cakes or casseroles! When shopping for a boat or a new gimbaled stove for your current boat, look for one with sturdy construction, adjustable heat levels, and a reliable locking mechanism that prevents the stove from shifting during rough weather. Some even have multiple locking positions which can be deployed depending on your boat’s heel angle.

The galley is a small, tight space, which means anything not secured properly can quickly become a dangerous hazard when the boat starts rocking and rolling. Non-slip mats are great for keeping pots, pans, and knives from sliding around during cooking. You can also use your sink as a safe space to relocate pots, pans, or bowls. This is a great trick for plating (or bowling) a meal when it’s rolling because the dishes can’t slide, and if they do happen to tip, the carnage will be contained to the sink. 

Be sure you have secure locations to stow your kitchen items before setting sail. Typically, this means locking cabinets or drawers, but there are plenty of options for all boat layouts and configurations. 

When it comes to cooking at sea, safety and durability are your highest priorities. Choose cookware that’s non-breakable, when you can. Materials like stainless steel or heavy aluminum are sturdy enough to withstand the bumps and knocks of a moving galley. Melamine and corelle work great for dishware. You’ll want lidded pots to prevent spills and keep the mess to a minimum when they do occur. A good rule of thumb for spill prevention when cooking is to select a pot that’s one size larger than you would typically use in your kitchen on land. You’ll appreciate the extra freeboard when a gust hits! A pressure cooker is an excellent galley addition, not just to make cooking faster, but because it has a locking lid by design. This is an especially nice feature to have offshore.

Cooking Techniques for Offshore Cruising

There are plenty of ways to maximize the functionality of a small galley without sacrificing meal quality. Plus, everything tastes better on a boat anyway. Here are some tips for cooking underway:

• One-Pot Meals
  The one-pot meal is the MVP of offshore cooking. Not only are they quick and easy to prepare, but they also minimize cleanup—something that’s particularly important when space and water are limited. A simple chili, stew, or soup can easily be adapted to fit whatever ingredients you have on hand and cooked in one pot, saving you time and effort.
• Batch Cooking & Freezing
  If you’re heading out on a longer passage, batch cooking and freezing meals in advance can take a huge load off your shoulders when the waves are high and the galley is pitching. Meals like curry, lasagna, or chili freeze well and can be reheated during the voyage for easy, comforting meals that require minimal prep. Many of us long-term cruisers swear by prepping meals for the first three days of a passage ahead of time, because you’re likely to be extra tired or low energy while settling into your passage routine.
• Preparing Ingredients
  If you’re planning a long sail, prep your ingredients ahead of time when you’re docked or when conditions are calm. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and assemble dry ingredients into zip-lock bags or containers. Storing these prepped ingredients in prominent, easy-to-access locations makes meal assembly much easier when you’re cooking in a rolling galley.

Morale Boost Mealtimes

Beyond practicality, cooking at sea serves another vital purpose: boosting morale. In the isolation of the open ocean, sharing a meal becomes a cornerstone of camaraderie and mental well-being. It’s something to look forward to, and often one of the only times crew members might see each other, depending on how watches are structured. Meals aboard often become a time to come together and bond. Whether it’s sharing a hearty stew with your crew after a long day of sailing or enjoying a quick snack on a quiet evening, food helps strengthen the social fabric of life at sea. There’s no better way to lift spirits than with a comforting, familiar meal. When the weather turns nasty, or you’ve been on the water for days, a steaming bowl of mac and cheese, risotto, or fresh bread can go a long way in making everyone feel at home. These meals might be simple, but they bring warmth and comfort to a small galley. Just the smells wafting up to the on-watch crew can bring much-needed comfort.

Embrace the Challenge and Enjoy the Process

Cooking at sea isn’t without its challenges, but it’s also a rewarding aspect of the cruising lifestyle. With the right gear, techniques, and a little creativity, you can transform your galley into a functional, efficient, and even enjoyable cooking space, no matter how rough the seas may get. Remember, the key to successful galley life is adaptability. Embrace the movement, make use of your space, and above all, savor the experience of creating something delicious while surrounded by the big, beautiful, blue sea. After all, cooking at sea is part of the adventure, and with the right mindset, you’ll find that a good meal at the end of a long day makes the journey even sweeter.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COOKING AT SEA AND TALK WITH GIO AND JULIE IN THEIR LIVE CLASS!
GALLEY ESSENTIALS, THURSDAY, APRIL 17