I’ve just returned from an absolutely incredible adventure, swapping my land-locked Missoula kitchen for the galley of a sailing charter in the Florida Keys. We journeyed all the way from Key Largo down to the magical Dry Tortugas, and what a trip it was!
It had been quite a while since I last cooked on a charter, and I’ll admit, there was a tiny flutter of “will I remember how this goes?” But as soon as we cast off, and the gentle rock of the boat became my new rhythm, I found my sea legs – both literally and culinarily! It truly felt like coming home.
Cooking on a sailing charter always makes me nostalgic for the many wonderful years I spent living and sailing in the Caribbean. The challenge of creating delicious, fresh meals in a small space, adapting to the gentle sway of the ocean, and sourcing local ingredients – it all felt so wonderfully familiar. From fresh-caught fish to vibrant tropical fruits, the ingredients practically sang with the flavours of the sea.
There’s something uniquely satisfying about preparing a meal while surrounded by the vast, sparkling expanse of the ocean. The sunsets were spectacular, the water a thousand shades of blue, and the sense of peace out there is truly unmatched. It reminded me that while my life has certainly evolved, the joy of the ocean and the simple pleasure of good food will always be a part of who I am.
So, here I am, back in Missoula, but with my mind still drifting on those turquoise waters, and my heart brimming with renewed inspiration. It was a proper reminder of my sailing past, and a promise that the call of the ocean will always be a part of my culinary journey.