Beach BBQs are a staple occurrence for sailing cruisers! Ensure your BBQ is great rather than good by using this Beach BBQ Checklist For Cruisers.
As a sailing cruiser life often revolves around what beautiful sandy beach, deserted island, or little harbor is next on the list of places to anchor. Waking up to breathtaking views of deep and light blues split with soft white sandy beaches makes a sailor’s eye’s smile. And then there’s the thought of having a beach BBQ. It’s one of many examples of the perfect sailors day.
We’ve had several beach BBQs that have been good. The weather was wonderful. The food tasted delightful and the people who joined us were all in great spirits. But on several occasions, our BBQs could have been better. When you forget the burger buns or don’t have a corkscrew to open your wine bottle it’s a let-down. Failing to have your favorite tunes doesn’t ruin the BBQ but it’s definitely missed.
Checklists are blueprints for optimal outcomes.
They allow us to determine all the elements necessary to achieve a particular desired outcome. And they’re open to improvement. If something was missed you can always add elements to make events or procedures even better.
Pilots wouldn’t think of flying a plane without them. They also play an integral part in the sailing lifestyle. Missing out on a spatula isn’t a massive issue. Forgetting to open your engine stopcocks before turning it on is.
On Britican, we have checklists for minor and major aspects of the lifestyle. If you’re looking for great instead of good make sure to check out our Checklists For Sailors.
Beach BBQ Checklist For Cruisers
Food & Beverages
- Meat and veggies to grill. Grill your meat plain or consider marinating it before you head to the beach. And to make grilling even easier make skewers up and place them in a Ziplock bag the marinade.
- Side salads. Macaroni/pasta salad, garden, potato, coleslaw, couscous, rice and beans, and tomato & cucumber are always winners. If you have the time you could also make up some fresh rice wrapper spring rolls. Spring rolls are salads that you can eat with your hands!
- Other sides and appetizers. Raw veggie platter with dip, taco dip and tortilla chips, fruit platter, pita chips and hummus, pickles, cheese, and crackers.
- Topers. Peppers and onions, sliced onion, sliced tomatoes, bacon bits, blue cheese, sliced cheese.
- Rolls. Hamburger, hotdog or pitas.
- Condiments. Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, hot sauces. Also, salt, pepper, steak seasoning, garlic salt, Cajun, etc.
- Beverages. Water (lots of it), soft drinks, juices, wine, beer, mixed drinks and remember the ice! Also remember to cut up any drink extras like lemons, limes, and fruit.
- Dessert. Brownies are always a winner.
BBQ Related Items
- Grill or grate
- Charcoal, wood, or gas
- Firestarter liquid
- BBQ grill utensils – spatula, tongs, grill cleaning brush
- Paper towels
- Garbage bag (always make sure to leave the beach cleaner than when you found it)
- Platter for meat/veg when cooked
- Plates
- Silverware/cutlery
- Napkins
- Cups
- Table or flat service to put all the food (or find a beach with picnic tables). We often turn over a paddleboard and use it as a table.
- Bottle opener/corkscrew
- Scissors and/or sharp knife
Other Necessary Beach BBQ Must-Haves
- Music player and speaker
- Chairs or large picnic blanket
- Towels
- Bathing suit and change of clothes
- Water shoes
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Hat and sunglasses
- Solar lights and flashlight (if it’s going to get dark)
- Games, kite, sandcastle tools
- Toilet paper
- Mini First Aid Kit (band-aids, antibacterial ointment, etc. for small scrapes and bruises)
- Waterproof case for electronics
- Phone for camera, music, and flashlight
- Pop up tent for shade
When living the cruising life Beach BBQ’s are a regular happening. And for those cruising during the holidays a beach BBQ makes for an excellent way for several boats to celebrate.
What Else Do You Need For A Beach BBQ?
What have I missed? Please leave it below for all of us to benefit.