sheri schneider S/V Procyon - Long-Distance Cruiser

I love my galley. About Sheri Schneider

What advice would you give women in setting up their galleys, in preparing to cook aboard?

Have to start any thoughts on my galley with the information that I LOVE MY GALLEY.  I think it is the best designed galley I have seen on any cruising boat, including ones that are bigger than Procyon (a Gozzard 44).

I have tons of counter space, plus the nook table to expand onto when needed.  Not only is there lots of counter space but it is usable.  I don't have to move everything to get into the fridge or a food locker. 

Also I had an extra deep sink put in.  As Randy will tell you, it doesn't drain as well as it should as it is so close to the waterline but I can wash anything in it (it doubles as a great place to do laundry), and if I need something secured in a hurry when underway it goes right into the sink! 

I have lots of storage space, both for dry goods and utensils.  When we get ready to move I only have 3 things to put away:  a spoon holder, a basket holding hot pads and a jar holding big cooking utensils.  The design for dish storage is fabulous.  On the corner is a cabinet that opens with slightly tilted shelves to hold everything.  I never have to worry about things sliding around! 

With the U shape I am secure in any seas and have cooked meals in some pretty rough weather. When we had the boat built I had a plastic cutting board built in with a groove around the edges so it drains into the sink.  Doubles as a cutting board and a drain board.  Also had a holder built in to hold 2 thermoses.  They are fabulous for night watches, only have to boil water once for the whole night.

I really found the old adage "if you didn't use it on land, you won't use it on the boat" true.  We basically eat the same way as we did before we moved onto the boat. 

Plastic containers, of many different sizes, and Ziplocs are a cruiser's best friend. 

I bought Gwen Hamlin's bread maker and both of us enjoy using that wonderful device!!!

We usually eat 3 meals a day, unless we have a brunch then we eat an early dinner.  We always sit down to every meal with place mats, cloth napkins, regular plates, silverware and high quality drinking glasses. 

Have found cloth napkins work great.  Use paper when we have something really messy or for cocktail parties but that is it.  Garbage is the bane of cruising and the more you can find to minimize what you have to get rid of the better.  Also doing your "green" bit! 

I bought Corelle dishes when we first bought the boat in 2001 and have never had one break.  I have cut up placemat size pieces of the sticky mats for under rugs to use when we are underway.  Keeps the plates on the table!  We don't have glass drinking cups but do have a full selection of the heavy duty plastic wine/beer glasses you can find in most places.  Also insulated plastic water glasses that do not sweat.  We also have the big bottomed silver coffee mugs.  They are wonderful, don't slide around at all.

I do the breakfast and lunch dishes.  Randy and I alternate the dinner dishes.  I do the prep work and cook the things inside.  Randy is an awesome BBQ'er so most of our dinners are cooked outside.