TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands grilling on a mono

We have used the charcoal grill on eight of my nine Bareboat Charters in the BVI. While it can be tricky getting it lit in the wind while at anchor or on a ball, it's all part of the adventure. We have had to use the deck cushions to block the wind before. Lighter Fluid helps. We've lost rolling dogs too! Just adds to the story! I say don't over-think it. You're going to have a great time!

I will say that last year our boat from BVI Yacht Charters had a propane grill which was life changing! We're chartering the same boat again in July. Way easier!

Have a great trip!

We always barbecue on charter and had no problem feeding 5 on a Moorings 42 the first time we went. We always buy lighter fluid since we find it a bit hard to light the coals in the wind. We usually bring steaks, dogs and burgers from home (frozen of course). You can get them locally.

Our last charter had an awkwardly placed and difficult to use grill but this was on a 34 ft monohull, all the others have worked well. Also bring a headlamp because you may well be barbecuing after dark. Check there are barbecue utensils before you leave the base.

Consider the charcoal grill as " supper only", It takes time to light, and then settle down to a steady temp, and then needs to cool down before sailing again--so really not good for breakfast/lunch. If you make breakfast easy, you can often prepare lunches also before letting go the mooring, so no galley time while underway. Just that one change helps enormously with green gills in the galley.

End of the day, try to pick your moorings to be in the lee of a land mass. Minimize the wave action that way, so being below isn't a grit-your-teeth torture chamber. Open the ports and hatches so there is plenty of fresh air, do what you have to do, don't hang around. If in North Sound, go up into Biras Creek mooring field, the moorings are being maintained and someone will come around for the overnight fee. You won't be bouncing there.

charcoal--if you are super fortunate, you'll find the " egg crate" stuff. More likely, an 8-10 lb bag, which you'll want to store in one of the cockpit lazarettes. You can make a handy lighting chimney out of a half gallon sized juice can--take both ends out and use the " churchkey" can opener to punch 4-5 holes around one end. When you want to start coals, stuff a crumpled up paper napkin or a couple crumpled paper towels in the can, place it standing on the charcoal grille bottom, fill with charcoal briquettes. Light the paper through one of the holes you punched--when the briquettes start to show gray ash on their surfaces, use the grill tongs to lift off the can. If you have a stern shower hose, use that to hose down the can, save it for another night. Unless you are cooking a ton of food on the grill, that amount of charcoal should work for one night.

Remember to move the dinghy from a stern cleat to a bow cleat. There are no extra points for grill embers in the dinghy, on the dinghy, or near the fuel tank.

Don't even bother with the grill if the wind is whistling through the rigging. That won't even be comfortable for eating in the cockpit. The BVI feeds their kids, too--you'll find something that works in most places. Remember the sheet pan dinner, there will be an oven.

blown away how many people grill. We plan meals without the hassle and risks. Especially when we bring our kids.

We sous vide meats at home, re-vacuum seal them and freeze; then onboard sear in a pan with spice of choice. 10 min meals at high quality..

Steak
Chicken
Salmon
Pork
Etc...

We typically eat out 50%, dinner onboard 50%, with the meals planned with leftovers to add to a lunch. Salmon dinner, salmon bagels breakfast and salmon BLT lunch, skirt steak dinner, steak and eggs, steak sandwiches, etc....