It’s been blowing 30 knots for the last four hours, and I’m glued to the helm. I have a touch too much canvas up, it’s dark, but I’m ripping down waves and closing in on the finish line. Alaska is about 100 nautical miles away, and I’ve put about 650 miles behind me since I left Port Townsend. I’m in the Race to Alaska, alone, on an 18-foot boat, and burning 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day. My energy levels are starting to drop, and I’ve eaten all the snacks I stowed away in my pockets. Do you think I’m about to pull over and drop anchor so that I can cook a meal?
Not a chance; I have a secret up my sleeve. I have RecPak on board. These are complete nutrition meals, 700 calories. Add water, shake it up, drink it like a shake, and feel recharged. RecPak is available in chocolate, vanilla chai, and coffee flavors. Not only are they simple to make, especially as a shorthanded sailor, they taste good and are hydrating. Pre-make them before predicted bad weather or seal them back up to finish later.
In rough conditions it can be tough to even put down a real meal, never mind venturing to the galley to also boil water first. This is the perfect solution–no stove needed. I won’t be doing another distance race or passage without this lightweight solution on board. www.recpak.co (make sure to use the .co, the .com is another company).
When I do have a chance to cook a meal and fresh isn’t an option, there are now some great freeze-dried choices. Can I offer you some duck leg confit? How about orzo puttanesca with Hungarian sausage? Buffalo bolognese? Luxefly Basecamp has created a new standard for prepared meals. The founder is an executive chef and outdoor enthusiast who puts together quality ingredients that deliver the energy and taste of a real meal. Just add boiling water, mix, wait, and enjoy.
There was no better proving ground than the Race to Alaska. Luxefly Basecamp is now at the top of my list for race and passage provisioning. www.luxeflybasecamp.com
November/December 2024
