Cooking Afloat: Managing the Motion of the Ocean 

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. Waves and rough weather can heavily impact stability in the galley. 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 mentally challenging for even 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.

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. If you haven’t already, be sure to download our free Passage Menu and Provisioning Planner and Guide which includes a list of many of the items we use in our galley while on expedition.

THE SEA STOVE

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.

IF IT CAN MOVE, IT WILL MOVE

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 matting is 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 its 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.

SAFE GALLEY = HAPPY CREW

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, and it’s wise to add some plastic cheapies in case they get left at potlucks or end up overboard (pro tip: label any dishes that leave the boat with your boat name). 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 terrestrial kitchen. 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.

The demands of offshore cruising require more than just reading books or taking online courses. You need hands-on experience that pushes you physically and mentally. Simulating the stresses and challenges of life offshore during training expeditions helps prepare you for the real thing. It’s not enough to just “know” the theory—you need to practice those skills in the environment where they matter most.

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. In warm climates, salads of all kinds will do the trick. One of our favorites for cruising the Pacific is a refreshing soba noodle salad. The nutty buckwheat noodles cook in minutes, cool quickly, and it’s easy to whip up a peanut-citrus dressing without relying on a single refrigerated ingredient.

Batch Cooking & Freezing

• If you’re heading out on a longer passage, batch cooking and freezing meals (if you have space) 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 passage, 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.

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 a 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 every journey even sweeter.