Provisioning for a Yacht Charter

How to manage an easy-going, family-run yacht or a busy charter vessel.

Welcome to your ultimate dream and worst nightmare.

Everyone always says how lucky a yacht chef is — getting to head off to local markets, browse beautiful produce stalls and "wander about." And yes, in that sense we are lucky. But I can guarantee those people have never actually done it, because they have no idea how stressful provisioning can be.

Usually provisioning happens in the lead-up to a charter, during a charter, or whenever something is requested, forgotten or simply unavailable. Picture this — you head to the fresh food market, you want tomatoes from one stall, herbs from another, and so on. Then the challenges start. Some vendors don't have card machines. Others can't give you receipts. You're trying to track every penny while mentally calculating quantities for 12 guests and a full crew — possibly for 10 days or more. And you're doing all of this while physically lugging everything around, usually by yourself, unless you're lucky enough to have a sous chef along for the ride.

You can try to organise a single market operator or fruit and vegetable supplier to put together everything you need. I've done it. But when the yacht is jumping from country to country almost daily in the peak of season, you're constantly tracking down a new supplier at each port — and that's if things don't get lost in translation.

So the next option is the supermarket — everything under one roof, parking nearby, trolleys, card payments accepted. Sounds simple. But if you're a sole chef, the race is on. Get out early, but not so early that nothing is open. Battle the European supermarket cashiers who fire groceries at you faster than you can process them because they don't have to bag it themselves. Rush back to the boat without getting a speeding ticket — and do not lose that receipt. Trust me, I know what happens when you do.

Pictured ~ S/Y Bliss. It was unheard of to have a walk-in coolroom, especially one this size. I was very lucky.

As someone who has worked on vessels from 50ft up to 200ft, I've done every type of provisioning this industry has to offer.

To be completely honest — I wish I could go to the market every morning and buy everything fresh. But it's just not viable. Think about what else is on your plate: cooking for guests and crew three times a day, accounts, deep cleaning, menu testing, recipe development and the list goes on. A restaurant chef couldn't do it either. You wouldn't get anything else done.

So what do I actually recommend?

During peak season on a busy charter or private yacht, the best and most practical option is using a provisioner. Yes, they typically charge around 20% on top, but they pay for themselves in quality, time saved and flexibility. They're out there hunting down those rare or hard-to-find products while you're focused on looking after guests. It's how yachting operates at the highest level.

In the off-season or quieter periods, there's no reason not to source things yourself. Find a local fruit and vegetable supplier who can deliver weekly — they won't add a 20% surcharge. Combine that with dry goods from wholesalers or supermarkets and you've got a solid, cost-effective system.

Work smart, chefs.

List of Provisioners

USA / Caribbean

Tommy from Shoreside Support — Tommy is your man stateside. Getting his seafood fresh from the New York Fulton Fish Market, working with farms like Harpke for incredible and unique products. Not to mention his Petrossian caviar connections and being able to get it to you within 24 hours anywhere in the world.

National Marine — Another option. I haven't had experience with these guys personally, but I heard they're logistically pretty good throughout this side of the world.

Europe

Tommy from Shoreside Support delivers all throughout Europe. Tommy will go above and beyond getting you exactly what you want, with his reach and networking in Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, Asia and beyond.

Paul from Sabor — Based in Barcelona but delivers throughout Europe. An incredible mix of Spanish and Irish provisions; Paul is originally from Ireland and a former yacht chef, so he's your man for unique products in and around Spain.

Dennis from Elicious — Based in Malta or Nice but delivers throughout Europe. Think ultra ultra rare products, generally Japanese. Dennis travels looking for the best of the best and he certainly finds it. If you have the budget for it, Dennis is your man.

Eli from Maison Del Gusto — Based in Monaco but can also deliver throughout the Med. A really family but professional vibe. I visited their office in Monaco and they surprised me with the variety of unique items they could get their hands on. Always searching to keep ahead of the game.

Gourmet Deliveries — Based in France but delivers all over Europe. Think anything and everything, anywhere. Yes, that comes at a cost, but if you're moving around the Med constantly these are your guys. Slightly larger scale, so not as personal as the provisioners above.

A1 Yachting — Great for yachts cruising Croatia and Greece. I found these guys super helpful getting things to me almost anywhere up the coast of Croatia. Things aren't as readily available here, so give them time to import specific items.

Australia

Just a disclaimer: I never actually used provisioners while cruising in Australia, so I can't recommend any personally, but here are some reputable suppliers.

GBR Supplies — Based in Cairns.

Australian Super Yacht Services — Supplying Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney.

Bidfood — Not a provisioner as such, but you can set up an account and get almost everything a restaurant can. Services most of Australia.

Global Food and Wine — Also not a provisioner, but services most of Queensland.

Coles Online — One of Australia's biggest supermarkets, where you can order everything online for delivery. Handy.

New Zealand

The Produce Company — Not only supplies locally but will ship all around the South Pacific if you decide not to feed your guests bananas, papaya and root vegetables.

Fiji

Five Star Foods Fiji — Based in Fiji and able to look after you throughout the 330 islands you can cruise. Best to stock up in Nadi before departing.

Farm Boy — Can supply all local fruit and vegetables. Great family-run business.

Flavios — Great for all hard-to-find Italian imports including cheese, meats, oils, olives and seafood.

New World IGA — Probably the best supermarket for variety, and where all the yacht crew come to shop for general items.

Asia

The only guys I used all over South East Asia, including Indonesia and Thailand, were Asia Pacific Superyachts. Great service and easy communication.

So what are you waiting for?

Become a Yacht Chef

Thinking about a career at sea? My course walks you through exactly how to break in, get qualified and land your first job — faster than I did. Start with the free Module 1.