Ahoy there,
Ever found yourself battling seasickness? Don't worry, you're not alone. Let's dive into this all-too-common struggle and explore some useful tips for conquering it like a pro - and avoid feeding the fish!
Understanding Seasickness
So, what exactly is seasickness? Let's say it's that "not-so-fun" feeling you get when your brain and body can't quite agree on what's happening. Your inner ears sense motion, but your eyes don't see any movement, leading to a lot of discomfort, with severe nausea being the worst part of it. In some cases, this can result in persistent vomiting, which not only leaves you feeling drained but can also lead to dehydration if not managed properly.
Seasickness hits some people harder than others, and there's no one-size-fits-all explanation. It's all about how our brains process sensory information and it can hit seasoned sailors as much as newbies on the water - I think most of us have felt the effects at some point (more or less severe 🤢). It seems the waves don’t discriminate when it comes to turning your stomach upside down. 😂
My Personal Journey
Yep, I've been there too. But here's the thing: seasickness hasn't stopped me from living my best life on the ocean. Sure, it's not always smooth sailing, but the adventure is always worth it.
For me, seasickness tends to strike when the waves roll in on the beam, or when there's a confused sea state and your boat turns into a washing machine. But thankfully, I've figured out a few tricks that help so much! I've listed all the tips and remedies below, but let me first tell you a personal story about being seasick mid-Atlantic! 😉
A Tale from the Sea
One of my most memorable encounters with seasickness happened during my Atlantic crossing. Picture this: stormy seas, howling winds gusting to 30 knots, and yourself truly hanging over the rail.🤢
I was part of a 2-person crew on a 38ft Hallberg Rassy. Those are great boats, strong and robust. You can say they're build like a tank - which gives you a feeling of comfort (big bonus is the center cockpit for sure), but still: it's a tiny nutshell in a very big ocean. We left Mindelo in the Cape Verdes in January 2020, heading to the Caribbean on a 2400 nautical mile journey across the Atlantic.
The moment we left, the wind kicked in way stronger than predicted (I always expect that though) - but the wind angle was extremely unusual. You'd expect to hit the trade winds down there, which are easterlies. It was the right season and the right latitude. The spinnaker pole was set up and everything was prepared for a nice and smooth downwind run.
The wind kept getting stronger and stronger though, we had 25 knots sustained, gusting to 30 knots. That alone would not have been an issue at all, if the wind angle hadn't changed every few hours: from north to south and back to north! Where were my easterlies?
Of course you have to stop dreaming about a nice downwind sail and adjust the sails and spinnaker pole according to the actual wind angle. Reality can hit hard sometimes and accidental jibes are on your mind all the time, even if you have set up a preventer line. We had to do quite a few sail changes in the first 48 hours, jibing the boat several times - which included bringing over the spinnaker pole from starboard to port and back again. This is not only physically and mentally exhausting, but with a very confused sea state and the waves hitting you from all kinds of angles, it makes you feel like being tossed around like a toy in a bathtub. What a great way to get seasick.
I found myself hanging over the lifelines several times during the first hours of the crossing (of course, I was clipped in with my tether). But I had to pull myself together, stop feeding the fish for a moment, and help with the jibe - before going right back to being sick. The whole situation felt so absurd, because somehow, I was actually able to stop being sick just long enough to take the lines and assist with the jibe, before getting sick again - it made me laugh out loud! Thankfully, I had some fresh ginger with me, and let me tell you: the seasickness was gone almost instantly. I couldn't believe how much it helped. While chewing it, I thought I'd be sick (again) right away, but somehow that didn’t happen, and the nausea was completely gone!
In that moment, I knew I had the strength and resilience to face whatever the ocean threw my way. If I could pull myself together for a necessary sail maneuver and still function between feeding the fish, I could manage anything! I still think back to that moment often. With the help of my ginger, I didn’t get seasick for the rest of the crossing, even though we faced quite a few more squally and rough conditions. I knew then to take the ginger as early as possible!
Practical Tips to Avoid Seasickness
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Try Natural Remedies First:
For me, a simple piece of fresh ginger does the trick every time. Just chew it up and let the natural goodness work its magic! Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your stomach and reduce nausea, making it a sailor's best friend on rough seas. You can also try ginger supplements or ginger ale if chewing fresh ginger isn’t for you. -
Use Medication if Needed:
Consider taking over-the-counter or prescription medication for motion sickness before setting sail. Popular options include Dramamine or Bonine, and Scopolamine patches are known to be highly effective. I haven’t tried these myself because I avoid the drowsy feeling they can cause, but they may work well for you. -
Try the One-Ear Plug Trick:
This lesser-known trick can sometimes help with seasickness: put one earplug in your non-dominant ear. It helps your brain process balance signals and can reduce the disorienting effects of seasickness. Simple, but surprisingly effective for some! -
Choose the Right Position:
If you need to go below deck, be quick and get back up to the cockpit as soon as possible. If you have to stay down below, position yourself in the middle of the boat where motion is minimized. However, I highly recommend staying on deck—fresh air and a clear view of the horizon are most helpful in my experience! -
Wear Acupressure Bands:
Acupressure bands apply pressure to specific points on your wrists, like the P6 (Neiguan) point, which has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to relieve nausea. Many sailors swear by these bands, as they’re a non-pharmaceutical way to help alleviate seasickness. -
Stay Hydrated and Nourished:
Dehydration and an empty stomach can make seasickness worse. Drink plenty of water and eat light, easily digestible meals before and during your trip to keep nausea at bay. -
Avoid Alcohol and Coffee:
Alcohol and coffee can exacerbate seasickness by dehydrating you, which worsens nausea. It's best to avoid both before and during your time on the water to stay hydrated and comfortable. Instead, focus on staying hydrated with water and other non-caffeinated drinks. - Prepare Your Trip in Advance:
To avoid unnecessary trips down below, prepare everything you might need before setting off. I always keep essentials like sunscreen, water, snacks, fresh ginger, and my foul-weather gear within reach in the cockpit so I don’t have to scramble for them later. Preparing easy-to-digest meals in advance is also a good idea—you'll be thankful not to cook down below for the first couple of days until you've settled in and the boat’s motion doesn't bother you as much.
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Try Natural Remedies First:
By incorporating these tips into your sailing routine, you can reduce the impact of seasickness and enjoy your time on the water much more. Remember, everyone's body reacts differently, so it might take some time to find out what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you find yourself battling the waves, remember this: seasickness is just a bump in the road on the journey to discovery. Embrace the challenge, take a deep breath, and keep sailing toward your dreams.
Smooth seas, sunny skies, and may you always have fresh ginger on board,
Kristina