Cooking on board: Bulli or boat: everyone is the same in front of the cooker

Markus Sämmer, author of "The Great Outdoors" cookery books, sails himself. In this interview, he explains what characterises recipes for the small galley.

Mr Sämmer, what is important when cooking on board?

Make sure the recipes are as simple as possible and that the ingredients are easy to get hold of. It is also important to always plan two or three reserve meals in case you can't get to the nearest shop quickly enough.

Your cookery books are designed for trips in a camper van. Why do they work just as well on board?

Because cruising sailors are somehow also campers, just on the water. The recipes are simple, the ingredients don't take up much space in the cool box and you don't need more than two burners. And when you go shopping, just take the little booklet with you, it has everything you need.

What tips would you give for cooking on board?

I made packing lists for the campervan in the book. They work - slightly modified - just as well for the boat. A checklist like this is also great for charterers. It's worth thinking about it beforehand: What do I take with me?

Do you have your own boat?

Unfortunately not at the moment, but I can use our club boats on the Ammersee. I sail everything from a Laser to a 45 national cruiser. One of my big dreams is to sail around the world. But I also just put on the neo and sail a few laps with the Laser.

And what do you recommend as a culinary accompaniment?

I'm a big fan of powerballs, either with figs and nuts or apricot and coconut, which are great to prepare and then simply take with you on the dinghy in a zip bag as a little snack between meals. And then a hot soup to warm you up afterwards!

You've travelled a lot: After years in Munich's top gastronomy, you took a road trip through Australia and worked as a private chef on a luxury yacht.

But that was on a motor yacht and of course more comfortable than on a sailing boat.

Are there any parallels between professional cooking and a summer holiday on a sailing boat?

Yes, the planning. With us, the owner could come at any time and say: We're going to Formentera for two days. I couldn't reply: Hang on, I still have to do the shopping. So, in principle, everything had to be planned and bought in advance. This is also advisable on board a small yacht - something can always come up and prevent you from reaching the planned destination.

Especially on long journeys ...

Exactly. The cuisine should always be as varied and fresh as possible. And especially on longer trips, there are passages where it's important to keep your strength up. After a four-hour watch, you simply need something proper and warm to eat.

The cookery books from Markus Sämmer are actually intended for hikers and campervan drivers. However, the recipes work just as well on board - ingredients that are easy to source, dishes that are quick to cook and taste great. "The Great Outdoors" and "The Great Outdoors Winter Cooking" , 35 euros each.

You can find more tips for small boats and practical helpers on board here.