Whether it’s a flaky homemade pie on the rail, a piping hot cup of hearty homemade soup while racing, a well seasoned curry down below or a charcuterie board and seafood extravaganza up on deck, food is as essential to sailing, racing and cruising as good winds, good friends and in more than a few cases, good wine or rum.

While freeze dried food has it place, there’s no reason to go hungry aboard a boat – or sacrifice great taste.

There’s no better “foodie experience” than a meal shared with mates at sea or a tasty feast on deck on a sunny harbour afternoon.

And few know better than members of the CYCA the recipes, tricks of the trade and little hints that make preparing and pre-prepping food for boats and yachts a breeze.

To celebrate 60 years of the CYCA Associates Committee, a new cookbook will be collated and published full of recipes and handy hints for sea farers.

The club is now calling for members to submit one or more of your favourite recipes (or helpful cooking hints) for the chance to go into this exciting publication. 

In the early 1980s the CYCA Associates published Sea Fare – a collection of Recipes and Hints for the Offshore Racing or Cruising Sailor.

The book was “put together by ‘Yachties’ for ‘Yachties’” and it was a great success.

The edition featured recipes from CYCA members including Knocker White, Peter Rysdyk, David Kellett, Jenny May, Kristine Fuller and Jill Robinson. The book was also edited by Jill Robinson.

Some of the recipes sound utterly delicious, while others such as ‘Rigger’s Mortise’ and ‘Emu Stew’ leave us scratching our heads.

“We are looking for recipes that have been handed down from your mum, dad, aunt or grandparents or have been adapted over the years to add your personal twist and to suit cooking on a boat or are good for provisioning,” Marg Keelty said.  “Our Associates Committee is aiming to produce an equally enticing and useful cookbook as the one prepared by Jill Robinson in the 80s and we can do it – with your help!” she added.

The CYCA Associates 60th Anniversary Cookbook – and helpful hints.

Do you have a favourite recipe or boating hint?  Time is running out to have your recipe or hint included in the Associates Anniversary book. It is quick and easy to submit using the online form.

Due by 31 August 2023

Margaret Keelty and Amanda Lulham on behalf of the Associates Committee.