“What if I get seasick?” is the most common worry among travelers considering sailing.
We have good news!
Seasickness isn’t an illness at all. The fact is that while sailing, the brain receives conflicting information: the muscles, ligaments, and joints “tell” the body that it’s motionless, while the receptors in the inner ear tell the body that it’s rocking and moving. This conflicting information causes motion sickness symptoms, the most common of which are dizziness and nausea. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to say for sure whether a particular person will experience seasickness—science hasn’t yet found an answer to this question—but it’s important to know that:
The body usually quickly adapts to the motion of a boat.
An active lifestyle (think vestibular training) can increase resistance to seasickness.
There are effective remedies and measures that will certainly help cope with motion sickness. We’ve compiled advice from experienced yachtsmen and doctors on how to help the body combat the symptoms of seasickness.
- The best way is to stand at the helm and look into the distance, toward the horizon.
- Lemon and ginger. You can chew or suck on them periodically, and the discomfort will subside.
- Still water. Drink it sip by sip, often.
- Eat sour, salty, and bitter foods: fruits (green apples, citrus fruits), vegetables, nuts, dark chocolate, crackers/crackers.
- Suck on mints or lemon drops.
- Wipe your neck, face, and temples with a damp towel once an hour.
- Massage the P6 (Neiguan) point on the inner forearm, three finger widths above the wrist. Alternatively, purchase an acupressure wristband (like the TravelDream or SeaBand). These wristbands are safe to use.
- As a last resort, you can resort to medication. The most commonly used active ingredients are dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Ciel, Avaimarin), meclizine (Bonine), and Kinedryl. We do not recommend taking medications at the first sign of motion sickness unless they are severe. Many medications affect the central nervous system and cause drowsiness. Pay attention to the side effects of medications: they are often incompatible with alcohol (or enhance its effects) and are not recommended for driving.
- If all else fails, lie down in your cabin and try to sleep.
Getting enough rest and sleep is also crucial for your well-being on a yacht. Therefore, on the first day of sailing with the “Friendly Regatta,” after the safety briefing and a welcoming dinner, we stay in port and spend the night on the yachts. This allows the body to calmly adapt to the seasickness while sleeping, without the mind interfering. And for us, the organizers, it helps ensure that everyone is well-rested before heading out to sea. A good rest guarantees a comfortable sea voyage.
For sailing novices, we recommend avoiding very long passages. 4-5 hours, no more. It’s best to take breaks: go ashore, take a walk, or swim in the sea.
To prevent seasickness, increase your fluid intake 1-2 weeks before sailing – at least 1.5 liters of still, clean water per day. Minimize alcohol and carbonated drinks. Before and during the trip, avoid fatty and spicy foods, and avoid sweets.
What you should avoid during a sea voyage:
Don’t travel hungry, but don’t overeat.
Don’t drink alcohol.
Don’t read a book or look at your smartphone while the yacht is in motion.
By the way, if you get seasick on land transport, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience motion sickness on a yacht.
However, if you suspect you may be seasick, we recommend consulting a doctor (an otolaryngologist or vestibular specialist) before your trip for a consultation and prescription, if necessary.
You can also undergo specialized medical tests today—videonystagmoscopy or videonystagmography. This is an assessment of the vestibular system through oculomotor function testing (currently the most reliable method). Such tests are performed when vestibular pathology is detected. In the vast majority of cases, motion sickness is not associated with vestibular disorders. The human body usually adapts to the motion of a ship on its own.
So, the most important thing is a positive attitude. Don’t focus on the unpleasant sensations. They will soon pass. Engage in any activity on deck, watch the birds and the surrounding landscape, socialize, and smile!
