How to Overcome Seasickness on a Sailing Trip

Seasickness occurs when your inner ear, eyes, and body send mixed signals to your brain. The movement of the boat confuses the senses, especially if you’re inside the cabin or looking at something stationary, leading to nausea, dizziness, and discomfort. 

It’s easier to prevent seasickness than to treat it once it begins. Here are some steps to help:

• Medication: Over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or Bonine are effective at preventing seasickness. Scopolamine patches, applied behind the ear, can also be helpful for long trips.

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate nausea, so drink plenty of water before boarding.

• Eat Light: Heavy meals or greasy foods should be avoided. Instead, have a light snack like crackers or fruit before setting sail.

• Acupressure Bands: These wristbands apply pressure to specific points on your wrists and may help prevent nausea without any side effects.

• Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Tiredness can make seasickness worse, so make sure you’re well-rested before heading out.

Once you're on board, these strategies can help reduce your chances of feeling unwell:

• Stay Above Deck: Being in the fresh air and watching the horizon can help your brain adjust to the motion. The horizon gives your brain a stable point to focus on, reducing the feeling of imbalance.

• Position Yourself in the Middle of the Boat: The center of the boat experiences the least motion, so standing or sitting here will help minimize the rocking sensation.

• Keep Moving: If you feel queasy, don’t stay still. Moving with the boat’s motion can help your body sync with the rhythm of the waves.

• Chew Gum or Ginger: Chewing gum or taking ginger supplements can distract you and help calm your stomach.

• Stay Hydrated: Sipping water or herbal teas like ginger or peppermint can soothe your stomach and keep nausea at bay.

If seasickness hits, these remedies can provide quick relief:

• Take Deep Breaths: Breathing deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly can help calm your body and reduce nausea.

• Lie Down Flat: Lying flat on your back and closing your eyes can help your body stabilize and relieve symptoms.

• Focus on the Horizon: Keeping your eyes on a distant, fixed point will help your brain reconcile the motion and reduce nausea.

• Use Ginger: Whether it’s ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger tablets, this natural remedy is known to help settle the stomach.

• Take Anti-Nausea Medication: If symptoms persist, taking an anti-nausea medication may be necessary.

Seasickness usually subsides within a day or two, as your body adjusts to the boat’s motion. However, please keep the skipper (in our case Edoardo and Mirta) always informed - don't hide the fact you are sick. If symptoms persist or worsen, it's a good idea to consult a doctor and we will organize this for you.