Sailing and Seasickness: Navigating the Waves of Nausea

Whether spending hours sailing around the bay or weeks crossing the Atlantic, the prudent sailor takes for granted that challenges will arise. Things will break. Weather will develop. Suddenly, the sailor is thrust into a problem that must be solved through self-reliance, resilience, and calm leadership. We try to be as prepared as possible: bringing the spare parts and all the tools. We take course after course on navigation and heavy weather sailing. Overcoming challenges during passage makes landfall that much sweeter.

Over the past year, I have set sail as Captain, First Mate, and Medical Person in Charge on a wide variety of sailboats—crossing oceans on a Farr 65’, exploring the remote coast of Baja with 22’ Drascombe Longboats, and everything in-between. Interestingly, I have faced one challenge over and over. A common thread tying these experiences together, a thread not so obvious from the surface. Not weather, not rigging, not boat handling, not engines... It’s a challenge that is almost impossible to prepare for with spare parts, tools, or classes. That challenge is seasickness.

What is Seasickness?

Seasickness is the result of a mix-up in your brain. A vessel’s motion in the water is interpreted by our inner ear—the organ that tells us the difference between up and down, fast and slow. While our inner ear is busy trying to convey the pitch and yaw of the vessel, our eyes are busy trying to persuade our brain otherwise. "This is relatively stable, unmoving ground!" your eyes insist, taking in the stationary deck or cabin of a vessel. These messages conflict: ears say roller-coaster, eyes say picnic bench. This mix-up is way too much for our silly monkey brains to handle. Stress is released in the brain, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, loss of energy, strength, and balance. Some speculate that the brain interprets this mix-up as food poisoning, thereby causing nausea. Strong odors, such as diesel fumes or the blackwater tank, only exacerbate the issue.

The Implications of Seasickness Underway

Seasickness can have serious implications for yourself, your crew, and the safety of the vessel. A seasick sailor is not just uncomfortable; they are a liability. They might be unable to stand watch, perform critical tasks, or respond effectively in an emergency. This can place additional strain on the rest of the crew, who must pick up the slack. In severe cases, dehydration from vomiting can become a health risk. Ensuring everyone on board knows how to manage seasickness is crucial for a safe and enjoyable passage.

Mitigating Seasickness

Common Remedies:

1. Medications:

   • Over-the-counter options like Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) or Bonine (meclizine) can be effective.

   • Scopolamine patches, available by prescription, are another option for those prone to severe seasickness. I require my crew to obtain enough patches before every voyage.

2. Dietary Considerations:

   • Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods before and during the trip.

   • Stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you and worsen symptoms.

3. Natural Remedies:

   • Ginger, in forms such as ginger tea, capsules, or candies, can help alleviate nausea.

   • Acupressure wristbands, like Sea-Bands, apply pressure to specific points on the wrist believed to reduce nausea.

Novel Solutions:

1. Motion-Sick Glasses:

   • These glasses have liquid-filled frames that create an artificial horizon, helping your brain resolve the sensory conflict. Great for kiddos!

2. Soda:

   • Sipping clear, carbonated beverages like ginger ale can help settle your stomach.

Behavioral Strategies:

1. Stay on Deck:

   • Being outside and focusing on the horizon can help your body reconcile the movement.

2. Positioning:

   • Stay in the middle of the boat where there is less movement compared to the bow or stern.

   • If you’re really suffering, try laying down and closing your eyes. This should allow your brain to accept the movement of the vessel, and the nausea will subside.

3. Rest:

   • Get plenty of rest before your trip; fatigue can worsen seasickness.

Conclusion

Navigating the waves of nausea may not be glamorous, but with the right knowledge and tools, it doesn't have to ruin your sailing experience. Embrace the challenge, prepare adequately, and enjoy the journey—both the highs and the lows.