How much food per person per day on a boat?
Updated 2026-10-08
Rules of thumb vary wildly. These numbers are what Galley Wizard's planner actually buys for three example trips — three meals a day for normal appetites, with spare days for delays — so you can see how crew size, length and margin change the total.
Three example trips, planned
| Trip | Crew | Days (+ spare) | Food bought | Per person per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic crossing | 4 | 18 (+6) | 92 kg | 1.3 kg |
| Caribbean charter week | 6 | 7 (+2) | 49 kg | 1.2 kg |
| A week in the Mediterranean | 4 | 7 (+2) | 33 kg | 1.2 kg |
Three meals a day for normal appetites, weights as bought, spare days included.
What changes the amount
Appetite: the planner gives hearty eaters 30 % more than a normal appetite, and light eaters 20 % less. Spare days: a 30 % margin on an 18-day crossing adds several days of food. Fresh versus long-life: tins and jars weigh more per meal than pasta and rice.
Questions
How much food per person per day on a sailing trip?
In Galley Wizard's examples, a little over 1 kg of food bought per person per day, including the spare days kept for delays. Hearty appetites and long passages need more.