TIPS FOR OCEAN EATING Team ABN Amro chef and food consultant, Gordon Ramsay gave these tips to their Volvo Ocean Race crews: 1. Bring long lasting bottles of condiments that do not require refrigeration (such as Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and runny honey) to instantly liven up food. 2. Olive oil and butter can provide immediate richness to soups and savory dishes. To preserve butter without refrigeration, pack them (unsalted) into sterilized jars and fill to the rim with a cooled brine mixture consisting of 100g sea salt to 600ml boiling water. Use a clean knife to dip out the butter then top up the brine with clean water. The brine will preserve the butter for up to 6 months. 3. In addition to salt and pepper, use dried herbs and ground spices to season food. Pack them in small re sealable bags and keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Or make up flavoured salts by grinding together coarse sea salt with dried thyme, rosemary, oregano and mint. For added spice, combine sea salt with cayenne pepper, paprika or curry powder. Sprinkle onto fish, chicken and meat dishes to enhance their flavor. 4. Aged hard cheeses such as parmesan and pecorino romano are fantastic for grating over pasta and mashed potatoes. Remove them from their plastic wrapping, cut into smaller wedges and envelop each one in a kitchen paper moistened with cider vinegar to prevent mould from growing. Rewrap in a breathable bag and keep in a cool dark place if refrigeration is not available. 5. It is now easy to find domestic versions of inexpensive vacuum sealers that are fantastic for preserving food. Wrap batches of space-saving flat breads such as whole wheat pitas, tortillas and potato farls in vacuum sealed bags, to provide additional carbohydrate or use as meal accompaniments during the first week or two out at sea. 6. Nuts, seeds and dried fruit are great healthy snacks to help keep hunger at bay in between meals. In addition, bring little jars or bags of toasted sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds for sprinkling over chicken, fish or rice dishes and to provide extra texture and crunch. -- www.gordonramsay.com