Captains’ Favorites: Best Meals To Cook Aboard
Every Go Sail Virgin Islands captain cooks two dinners during your Virgin Islands sailing vacation, giving students the chance to experience authentic Virgin Islands food alongside their sailing education. It’s one of the most memorable parts of learning to sail in the Caribbean, and many students say they enjoy these onboard dinners just as much as eating at the islands’ famous waterfront restaurants.
While every boat is equipped with a full galley, including a stovetop and oven, our sailing captains almost always reach for the grill. Cooking outside keeps the cabin cooler in the tropical heat while giving everyone a front-row seat to another unforgettable Virgin Islands sunset. For Captain JT, he loves sailboats outfitted with propane grills.
“It’s super delicious and super easy to cook aboard,” says Captain JT. “Propane is cleaner and simpler. At home I love charcoal, but out here the convenience of propane is nice.”
Fresh Fish: The Star of the Islands
The waters surrounding St. Thomas, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands are home to an incredible variety of fish, including mahi-mahi (also called dolphinfish), wahoo, tuna, snapper, grouper, and yellowtail. Local fishermen often bring in their catch the very same day they’re caught, making fresh seafood one of the highlights of a Virgin Islands sailing vacation.
Fresh seafood is one of the defining flavors of Caribbean cuisine, and trying locally caught fish is high on the list of what to eat in the Virgin Islands. Among all the local catches, mahi-mahi has earned a permanent place on our captains’ menus.
“It feels upscale to have mahi,” says Captain Jalil.
Its mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture make it perfect for grilling or pan frying, and it’s a favorite even among guests who don’t normally order fish at home.
Not Your Typical Restaurant Mahi
Several of our captains have perfected their own take on preparing mahi, and they insist it’s unlike what you’ll find elsewhere.
“One of my favorites is the pan-fried mahi fillets that we do,” says Firstmate Claire. “We prepare them differently than how a lot of restaurants prepare them.”
Captain Jalil agrees.
“No one has had our mahi fillets! Parmesan-encrusted, served with leeks. Literally everybody eats their vegetables!”
Fresh vegetables sourced from local markets become part of the experience, too. Sweet peppers, onions, tomatoes, herbs, tropical fruits, and seasonal produce often find their way into meals alongside the day’s catch. The result is food that feels indulgent while showcasing the simple, vibrant flavors the Caribbean is known for.
Healthy Never Tasted So Much Like Vacation
One thing our captains notice again and again is how willing guests are to try foods they might normally skip.
“Everyone is eating the ‘say yes now’ foods because they’re on vacation, but when we get to do our fish and vegetables, they’re elevated,” said Firstmate Claire. “So they’re a vacation option—but they’re healthy.”
There’s something about dining in a secluded anchorage, surrounded by turquoise water, that makes fresh vegetables, local seafood, and homemade meals feel every bit as memorable as a dinner at an upscale waterfront restaurant.
Captain JT’s Signature Favorite
If Captain JT is cooking, there’s a good chance you’ll be enjoying one of his personal favorites: Pesto pasta with grilled mahi-mahi.
Simple enough for cooking aboard a sailboat, yet packed with flavor, grilled mahi-mahi pairs perfectly with fresh pesto and pasta. It’s the kind of meal that captures what sailing in the Virgin Islands is all about: fresh local ingredients, uncomplicated cooking, and enjoying great food with great company.
More Than a Sailing Vacation
One of the best parts of a Virgin Islands sailing vacation is discovering that sailing isn’t only about learning navigation and boat handling. It’s also about experiencing Caribbean culture through its food, local markets, fresh seafood, and evenings spent cooking aboard with experienced captains.
By the end of the week, you’ll leave with more than new sailing skills. You’ll take home a few favorite recipes, cooking tips for life aboard, and a better appreciation for the simple ingredients that make island cuisine unforgettable.