Prevent Seasickness

Section 1: Understanding the Enemy – The Physiology of Seasickness

Seasickness, also known as motion sickness, is a physiological response to conflicting sensory information. Our inner ear, which plays a crucial role in balance, relies on signals from our eyes and body to determine our position and movement.  However, on a moving vessel, these signals can become confused. 

The gentle rise and fall of the boat might feel like you're constantly moving, while your eyes might be focused on a fixed point like the horizon, further confusing your inner ear. This sensory mismatch triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, leading to the unpleasant symptoms of seasickness.

Section 2: Preventing Seasickness – Proactive Strategies for a Smooth Sail

The best defense against seasickness is a good proactive strategy – proactive measures implemented before setting sail. 

Here are some key strategies I use:

Dietary Choices: Avoid heavy meals and greasy foods before and during your voyage until you are over the symptoms of seasickness. Consider light, bland carbohydrates like crackers, toast, or plain pasta in small regular meals.

Hydration is Key: Dehydration can and will exacerbate nausea. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

Ginger Power or ginger tea: Ginger, a natural anti-nausea remedy, has shown to be effective in preventing seasickness. Consider ginger candies, ginger tea, or ginger supplements taken before and during your trip. I keep ginger lollies onboard also.

Acupressure: Acupressure wristbands apply pressure to a specific point on the wrist, this can alleviate nausea and the symptoms of seasickness in some people. While research is ongoing, about 40% of my crew who have used them have found these bands helpful.

Sea sickness medication: In Australia an over-the-counter medication I keep on board is Kwells (active ingredient hyoscine hydrobromide) . I encourage crews who believe they will get seasick to take half the prescribed dose the morning or 24hrs before departure another half dose the evening or 12hrs before departure and a full dose the morning of departure.

The reason I do this is to test if my crew experiences any ill effects before we leave for sea and I have no emergency medical support available. This also builds up a therapeutic dose of the drug in the body before encountering any ocean swells. I have also found scopolamine transdermal patches to be effective, I encourage crew to start with only half a patch and again 24 hours before departure. For many crew members, a full patch delivers too much of the active ingredient in the patch. All crew must get their doctor to prescribe or select their own sea sickness medication. Taking seasickness drugs on the morning of departure is a waste of time, it rarely works in my opinion.

Predeparture anchorage: I try to anchor in an area for 24hrs before departure, an area that encounters some ocean swell and ready my crew and myself for the motion of the ocean before we get the full effects of the ocean swell.

Captains mind hacks: I do not allow any crew to talk themself into sea sickness and I stop the doomers from such conversations. I tell all new crew that not all people get seasick and for those that do, it only lasts 24 to 48hrs until their body becomes accustomed to the ocean. After 30 years working on small boats to large ships and dozens of yachts, also sailing with hundreds of people, I believe this to be fact. Yes some people get sick and do not recover, these are a small minority.  

Section 3: Calming the Storm – Effective Relief Measures When Seasickness Strikes

Even with the best prevention, seasickness can sometimes hit. This is especially true when departing on a passage when the seas are rough. Here are some strategies to combat it:

Fresh Air and the Horizon: Get fresh air on deck if possible. Focus on a fixed point on the horizon, which can help your inner ear recalibrate and find a sense of balance and calm.

Laying down in a bunk: laying prone in a bunk with your eyes closed can be effective for some crew.

Medication: Over-the-counter medications can be effective in preventing and treating seasickness. However, these medications can cause drowsiness, so be aware of potential side effects. Ensure crew consult a doctor before using any medication. This is why I insist my crew start any medication they are going to take before leaving port so that I can evaluate the effects before we go to sea.

I have found the scopolamine transdermal patches to be effective if sea sickness strikes, however, I feel the best course of action is to start sea sickness medication before leaving on an ocean passage.

Natural Remedies: Peppermint or ginger tea or sucking on peppermint or ginger candies may provide some relief. Aromatherapy with essential oils like peppermint or lavender may also be helpful.

Mind Over Matter: Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help manage anxiety and nausea associated with seasickness. Visualization can also be helpful, by picturing yourself feeling calm and collected on a smooth sea. This is hard to relay when somebody is belching over the side of the yacht. I have also found Yoga Nidra meditation to be effective in combating the effects of sea sickness once it has struck. It can provide some crew with a positive mindset.

YOGA NIDRA for SAILORS Guide

For those who are affected: Ensure they maintain their crew watch routine, ensure they always wear a safety harness and are clipped on, I like to put them on the wheel and to hand steer the yacht, this often takes their mind off the feeling of seasickness and provides purpose. 

If they should need to vomit over the side of the yacht ensure they stay low, and place their head through safety lines not over the top so they cannot fall overboard. I have seen people with severe seasickness give up on life and stop caring whether they live or die. People in this state need to be managed with a very firm hand, clear no nonsense directions and commands.

I have had crew members remain sick for a six-week Southern Ocean passage, this person lost 15kg, she was happy about the weight loss, but miserable for the entire passage from Perth to Melbourne except for those rare days when the Southern Ocean was glassed out and we were motoring. 

I have seen crew suffer the psychological effects of sea sickness and refuse to man watches, get out of their bunk, and even arm themself with a knife. One person I observed and managed on a very long ocean passage lost all perception of reality and even threatened to scuttle the yacht.

The reduced effects of sea sickness: Over the years I have noticed some of my crew who started out quite seasick no longer suffer. They have conditioned themselves to ocean life. Even after months on land, many of these people have a stomach like an iron pot. Cured.

Section 4: A Captain's Tips –  Strategies for Crew Comfort

If you're the captain of your vessel, here are some additional tips to keep your crew feeling their best:

Plan Your Course: Choose a route that avoids rough seas whenever possible, this is especially important at the start of a journey. I like to start a passage on a smooth sea, it is not always possible but I feel it eases the crew into the passage and hardens their stomach and resolve.

Smooth Sailing: Maintain a steady course and direction try not to sail hard on the wind, this can exacerbate motion sickness. Ease your course off the wind for the first day.

Ventilation Matters: Ensure adequate ventilation below deck to prevent stuffiness and odors, which can worsen nausea. Ensure Vomit is disposed of quickly and cleaned up, one good spew can take down other crew members who are feeling a bit squeamish.

Choose Your Crew Wisely: If some of your crew are prone to seasickness, be considerate when planning activities or assigning tasks. Try to ensure you select great weather windows.

If you have a two week sail to windward, then select robust crew who do not get sea sick. If all your crew are seasick you are now a solo sailor caring for invalids. This is the worst possible situation to find yourself in. It is far easier to Solo a long ocean passage.

Section 5: Conclusion – A Sailing passage without the drama

Seasickness may not be entirely curable, but with the knowledge and strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce its impact and increase your chances of a smooth and enjoyable voyage.  Remember, for most sailors seasickness is a temporary affliction, and the rewards of exploring the vast expanse of the ocean far outweigh the discomfort.  So, pack your seasickness prevention tools, embrace the fresh air, the salty spray, and set sail for an unforgettable ocean adventure.

Safe sailing and see you out there.

Regards Trev