THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY

While contemporary, Dc-powered refrigeration systems work great, another approach for daysails and overnights involves a simple cooler. Yeti and other manufacturers offer a vast array of high-efficiency containers, using modern materials for improved insulation.

Chris Welch, Yeti’s senior product manager, recommends the Yeti Tundra 75 for sailors (smaller and larger Tundra series coolers are available), along with Yeti Ice freezer packs to keep things cool.

“We like to recommended starting with a chilled cooler by pre-loading it a few hours prior with a bag of ice or storing it in a cool place before loading it up,” Welch says. “We suggest laying Yeti Ice on the bottom of the cooler and then layer on cubed ice with your cooler contents. We also recommend two-thirds ice, one-third cold drinks and food.” And Welch advises that contents should fill all the way to the top of the cooler to avoid air pockets: “Air is the enemy when it comes to thermal retention. If there’s any extra space, fill it with a towel or foam mat.”

As with all coolers, ice and cold last longer when people economize how frequently they open the lid. Creating a contents map and taping it to the cooler lid can help reduce rummaging time. And for cruisers who are interested in taking hard-sided coolers on longer passages, bigger guns are available. “Dry ice is also approved for use in our coolers,” Welch says.