Welcome to our provisioning - what we are going to eat and drink.
Provisioning the boat for our departure has presented some unique challenges for Quartermaster Bryan.
- We have 6 people consuming 4 litres of drinking water daily for 28 days (21 days expected crossing plus 7 day contingency). So we need over 672 litres squirreled away in 1.5l, 5l and 100l containers - weight 672kg. In addition, we have a
desalination plant that can generate 35litres of water in an hour (but consumes power - more of this later) and we have a cunning plan for collecting rainwater - when it rains
- The usual 3 meals a day will also go out the window. Whilst our aim is to meet once a day at 6pm to reflect on the day, to drink our rum ration and to eat our meal - breakfast and lunch will be very much taken on the go as our shift rota
means that at least 2 people will be asleep on all other occassions.
- To kick things off we have 6 frozen dinners, but any more than that and the freezer won't cope, so we then move on to freshly cooked meals and tinned food
- We also need food and water to go in the 'grab bag' - a large bag stacked with everything we need to survive for 5 days if we need to make use of the life raft in the event of an emergency - i.e. we have to 'abandon ship'
- Last but not least - we need fresh filter coffee every morning (of course) and the rum ration (of course) - in this case it includes cointreau for Tony and beer for Peter
- Fresh fruit and peanuts together with protein snacks will also supliement our intake and even living fresh herbs will be taken on board
- In addition to all of the above offocial supplies, I have no doubt that everyone has their own secret supply of their favourite treates - particularly the squirrel!
Whilst we will certainly not go hungry, believe it or not, most people actually lose weight over the course of an Atlantic crossing. No doubt any lost weight being put back on quickly as we indulge in the delights St Lucia will have to offer!