Meal and Snack Ideas for Sailing

July 30, 2024

Sailing can work up quite an appetite, and having delicious, easy-to-eat meals and snacks on board is essential for a great day on the water. Whether you’re planning a short sail, day-long excursion, or overnight-sailing adventure, here are some meal and snack ideas to keep everyone satisfied and energized.

Snacks

Paninos
These bite-sized snacks are perfect for sailing. Wrap slices of cheese and deli meats like ham or turkey for a quick, satisfying snack.
Chips and Salsa
A classic combination that’s easy to prepare and always a hit. Keep the salsa in a spill-proof container to avoid any messes.
Trail Mix
A great mix of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate or yogurt-covered pieces can provide a quick energy boost.
Cold Fruit
Refreshing and hydrating, fruits like strawberries, watermelon, grapes, and oranges are perfect for a hot day on the water.
Caprese Skewers
Skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, make for a tasty and elegant snack.
Granola Bars / Protein Bars
Easy to pack and eat, these bars are great for a quick snack to keep energy levels up.
Hummus, Chips, and Chopped Vegetables
A healthy and tasty snack option that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.

Meals

Pinwheel Sandwiches
Wrap tortillas with various fillings like turkey, cheese, and spinach, then slice into pinwheels for a fun and easy meal.
"Walking Tacos"
Inspired by the recipe from Taste of Home (https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/walking-tacos/), this is a fun and easy meal. Serve taco fixings in individual bags of chips for a no-mess, delicious meal.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Wraps
Simple yet satisfying, these wraps are filled with grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, and fresh lettuce.
Hawaiian Roll ‘Sammies’
Make mini sandwiches using Hawaiian rolls filled with roasted chicken, salami, provolone, and a pesto mayo. These are perfect for quick, tasty bites.
Chicken Salad
A versatile and easy-to-make meal. Serve with crackers or on a bed of lettuce for a light, refreshing option.
Tuna Salad
Another great salad option that can be served with crackers or in a sandwich for a filling meal.
Tuna Salad Wraps
A refreshing and filling meal option that’s easy to eat.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Skewers with grilled shrimp are perfect for a seafood treat on the boat. They are easy to eat and don’t require utensils.
Pigs in a Blanket
These fun and tasty treats are always a crowd-pleaser. They are easy to make ahead and bring along.
Potato Salad
A classic side dish that pairs well with many meals and is easy to store and serve.
Pasta Salad
A versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients and is perfect for a hearty, cold meal.
Ham, Turkey & Cheese Sandwiches
Classic sandwiches that are easy to prepare and pack for a day on the water.
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Bagels
Delicious and satisfying, these bagels are perfect for a hearty meal.
Oven-Baked Ham and Vegetable Frittata
A versatile dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Oven-Baked Nachos
Loaded with BBQ chicken, olives, green onions, salsa, bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, and cheese, these nachos are a crowd favorite.
Burgers
Cooked on the barbecue, these are perfect for a hearty meal on the water.
Pork and Beef Marinated Kebabs
Served with brown rice and vegetables, these kebabs are flavorful and easy to eat.
Fajitas
Made with BBQ chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and served with guacamole, fresh coriander, lettuce, salsa, and cheese.
Fish “En Papillote”
Baked on the barbecue and served with broccoli and rice flavored with chickpeas, green onions, coriander, and Indian spices.
Pizzas, either in the oven or grilled
Made on oval flatbreads, with toppings like tomato, olives, green bell peppers, sliced baby bella mushrooms, and parmesan cheese.
Tomato, Tuna, Olives, Capers, and Parmesan Cheese Pasta
A flavorful and easy-to-prepare pasta dish.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prepare bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of ground beef or turkey, rice, diced tomatoes, onions, and your favorite seasonings. Bake them in advance and pack them in containers for easy reheating on the boat. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for dinner after a day of sailing
Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers
( https://www.howsweeteats.com/2024/04/sloppy-joe-stuffed-peppers/ ) Delicious and hearty meal of sloppy joes are stuffed into roasted peppers and topped with havarti cheese
Your favorite casserole
Prepare in advance and transport to the boat in a non-glass container. Reheat on the boat when ready to serve.

Breakfasts

Bread (toasted in the oven)
Serve with a variety of spreads like jams, peanut butter, and cream cheese.
Cereals, Muesli
Easy and quick breakfast options.
Yogurt Parfaits
quick, healthy breakfast for busy mornings. Yogurt, granola, and fruit (such as strawberries and blueberries) will start your day off right.
Blueberry, Banana, and Walnut Muffins
Baked on the boat, these muffins are a delicious start to the day.
Cantaloupe and Watermelon
Hydrating and sweet, these fruits are perfect for a day on the water.
Yogurt
A light and refreshing breakfast option.
Coffee, from Sailors Coffee Company
Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with beans from Sailors Coffee Company. Use the discount code sailwithfriends for a special offer. We recommend a coarse grind for a perfect French press brew, or if you prefer a coarse grind for a coffee percolator.

Sweets

Brownies
Made from a mix with added chopped walnuts and chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Chocolate Cupcakes
Made from a mix with added chocolate chips and chocolate frosting.
Dark Chocolate Bars
A simple and satisfying sweet treat.
Cookies
Quick and satisfying

Tips for Preparing and Packing Food for Sailing

Portability: Choose foods that are easy to pack and eat. Avoid anything too messy or complicated.
Storage: Use airtight containers to keep food fresh and avoid spills. Coolers with ice packs are great for keeping perishable items cold.
Preparation: Prepare as much as possible ahead of time to minimize the need for prep work on the boat.
Hydration: Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and other hydrating beverages to stay refreshed.
Plan for lunches that can be prepared in advance: Don’t assume you’ll be able to cook while the boat is sailing. Prepare meals ahead of time to ensure they’re easy to serve and enjoy.
Plan for garbage disposal: Ask about restrictions and allowances for garbage disposal on your sailing route. Bring bags to collect and store waste until you can dispose of it properly.