Battling Seasickness: A Sailor's Survival Guide

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? Well, 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 whole lot of discomfort with severe nausea being the worst part of it.

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. But hey, whether you're a seasoned sailor or a newbie on the water, we've all felt the effects at some point.

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 get a bit wild and the sea state gets a bit choppy, mostly when the waves roll in from the side or when it's a confused sea state and your boat turns into a washing machine. But don't worry – I've picked up a few tricks to help ease the discomfort.

Tips and Tricks

First things first, don't panic. When those telltale signs start creeping in – the headache, the queasiness – stay calm and stay above deck. Trust me, fresh air and focusing on the horizon can work wonders for settling your stomach.

And here's a little secret weapon: ginger. Forget those fancy remedies – 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.

Now, about that coffee that most of us, including myself, enjoy in the morning – it's best to steer clear. Caffeine can exacerbate seasickness symptoms, so stick to water or herbal tea instead when you go sailing.

Another trick that works for me is hand steering. Keeping your hands on the helm and focusing on steering the boat can help distract your mind from the feeling of seasickness. Plus, it gives you a chance to soak in the beauty of the open ocean and feel more connected to your surroundings.

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, 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. 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 life lines several times during these first hours of the crossing (of course I was clipped in with my tether). But I had to just pull myself together, stop feeding the fish for a moment to help with the jibe - before going back to being sick. Thankfully, I had some fresh ginger and let me tell you: the seasickness was gone almost instantly and I actually started laughing out loud about this weird situation I was in.

I then knew that I had the strength and resilience to face whatever the ocean threw my way. If I can manage to pull myself together for a necessary sail maneuver and still function between feeding the fish, I can manage anything! I still often think back to that moment.

Practical Tips to Avoid Seasickness

1. Choose the Right Position: If you need to be below deck, be quick and get back in the cockpit straight away. If you need to stay down below for whatever reason, position yourself in the middle of the boat where motion is minimized. However, I highly recommend being on deck, as fresh air and a clear view of the horizon are most helpful in my personal opinion.
   
   
2. Use Medication or Alternative Remedies: Consider taking over-the-counter or prescription medication for motion sickness before setting sail. I have never tried these though, so I can't give any personal advice which ones work best. I don't like being drowsy, so I never tried them. Alternatively, try natural remedies such as ginger supplements, ginger ale, or fresh ginger. Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties and can provide relief from seasickness. I can't mention ginger enough.
   
   
3. Acupressure Bands: Try wearing acupressure bands on your wrists, which apply pressure to specific points that may help alleviate nausea. These bands work by stimulating the P6 (Neiguan) acupressure point on the inner wrist, which has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to relieve nausea and vomiting. The gentle pressure from the bands can help reduce the sensation of seasickness by interfering with the transmission of nausea signals to the brain. Many people find them to be a helpful, non-pharmaceutical option for managing motion sickness.
   
   
4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Dehydration and an empty stomach can exacerbate seasickness. Drink plenty of water and eat light, easily digestible meals before and during your journey.
   
   
5. Avoid Alcohol and Heavy Meals: Alcohol and heavy, greasy meals can make seasickness worse. It's best to avoid them altogether, especially before and during your time on the water.
   
   
6. Prepare your Trip: To avoid having to go down below, prepare everything you might need for your trip and have it within reach, ideally in the cockpit. I always have things like sunscreen, water, snacks, fresh ginger and my foul weather gear close to me, in case I need it. I also prepare easy-to-digest meals in advance.

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