Historically, I’ve never considered myself someone who is severely afflicted with motion sickness. I actually love roller coasters and flume rides – a lot more than the average adult – and I’m even willing to admit it. However, I am the type of person that might start to feel a bit queasy if I read a book in the backseat of a car, or try to write on a bumpy airplane ride. Here’s a quick story about my first encounter with motion sickness onboard a boat and some of the best tips I’ve learned to help you not – errr…lose your lunch aboard!
What Causes Sea Sickness?
Turns out, there’s a reason the word “nausea” has the word “sea” in it. About ten years ago, I went on my first long yachting trip down the Atlantic Ocean on a 50 foot SunSeeker Predator. In January. In 8 foot waves. I had skipped breakfast one particularly early, stormy, choppy morning, and the waves were pounding us on the side in that not-so-fun-way. The captain was cruising slowly because we needed to conserve gasoline. A few hours into the trip I began one of the longest days of my life “worshipping the porcelain gods.”
Of course the rest of the crew was absolutely fine, and enjoyed a hearty curry dinner at the end of the day, which made me even more nauseous at the sight and smell. Oof. It was miserable and I know many of us have been there. The captain told me that I earned my sea legs that day. I say I earned the right never to get that sick on a boat again! And I haven’t.
Here’s how…
Eat Your Breakfast (And All Regular Meals)
This may seem counterintuitive to some, but nausea can actually be exacerbated by an empty stomach. In retrospect, I do in fact think not eating was a large factor in what “did me in” that day at sea. A nice large balanced meal before you set sail is imperative to a successful voyage for reasons too many to count. Understandably, in rocky conditions, you might not feel up to a bowl of that spicy chicken curry, but try to eat something plain and easy to digest – like a simple peanut butter sandwich or crackers with butter. Keeping something in your tummy can go a long way in keeping your stomach feeling “settled.”
Keep Your Head Still (And Focus On The Horizon)
It sounds easy but it actually doesn’t come natural to most people when you’re on a boat, especially if you are the energetic type that likes to be moving around aboard and helping out on deck. If you find yourself starting to feel seasick, it is good advice to sit down and stare at the horizon, but also try and keep your head facing forward. Keeping your balance and a visual of the motion that your body is experiencing will help maintain your body’s natural equilibrium, which interestingly also has a lot to do with your inner ear and is what can get thrown out of whack aboard rocky seas, contributing to that wonderfully awful queasy feeling.
Be Outside If You Can
Fresh air is your friend – even in bad weather as long as it’s safe. It’ll help you breathe more easily and keep your senses more in touch with what’s happening around you. Below deck or inside the cabin, you’re much more likely to feel more of the exaggerated motions of the ocean and less likely to see where you’re going and follow the movements, which together will almost certainly compound nausea and motion sickness. If you’re onboard a multi-deck motoryacht with an enclosed upper helm, this could be a good place to safely get some air.
Don’t Stare At A Screen
Although we’re all doing a lot more remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, don’t try to #wfh (that’s work from helm for those onboard yachts) during that thunderstorm out in the ocean! Your boss will understand if you need a few extra hours on that report! I made the mistake of letting my computer get the best of me this summer while we spent a day out off the Georgia coast and got caught in a pretty scary weather system. I was feeling fine until I insisted on trying to finish a writing project as the waves increasingly rolled us from side to side. It’s so important that your eyes remain on the water and to see the motion of the ship that any projects are best put off until you reach calm waters (or better yet dry land) for those of us sensitive to seasickness.
Motion Sickness And Nausea Solutions: Sea Bands, Dramamine
Try nausea bands and use Dramamine or natural alternatives when necessary. While there really isn’t any definitive scientific proof that nausea wristbands or other similar products medically provide any relief, it’s true that the placebo effect may actually be enough to help some people – kind of like “the magic feather.” Plus, they are inexpensive and have no side effects of any kind so they are safe to try. More traditional Anti-nausea medications containing antihistamines are usually quite effective if taken correctly but be advised that they can have side effects such as drowsiness and fatigue.
Stay Hydrated
Remember to drink plenty of fluids while aboard as both motion sickness and related medications cause dehydration which can exacerbate symptoms and leave you with a headache or that general ill feeling. Drinking low sugar carbonated beverages (in modest amounts) can also sometimes help with nausea.
Don’t Be Embarrassed
Everybody gets seasick from time to time. Read that again, because it’s true. It happens to even the greatest of sailors, experienced master captains and fishermen alike, when all the required cocktail of conditions are aligned. It is important when dealing with boat safety to never feel afraid to speak up if the conditions are becoming uncomfortable for you. In fact, your captain will more than likely appreciate your candor – and chances are that at least some of your fellow passengers are feeling the same way.
On a recent overnight trip to Monomoy Island, my group started to anchor out in the choppy shoals for the night. They also wanted to have a barbecue aboard and the dishes were literally flying around in the galley, not to mention the lounge chairs continually sliding back and forth on the deck as if they were on some sort of pendulum. I looked around at the three of them, wondering if they truly were unaffected by the conditions that seemed unworkable to me. I finally mentioned that the rockiness was only likely to get worse and that I would be struggling through the night if we couldn’t find a more stable place to settle and my mates were more than empathetic. In fact, one of them also admitted that she was glad that I initiated the search for a calmer, more tucked away spot a little further up the island – which was much more pleasant for all of us.
Don’t Be A Hero: Wait For The Storm To Pass
If a storm is brewing, or the water is rough out there from a recent foul weather system that has passed through (or is churning up the seas off the coast), you should probably seriously consider waiting it out. Especially if you, your boat or your captain aren’t that experienced in navigating in storms, sometimes it’s best to just play it safe and stay in the harbor for an extra night or two. Some of the most fun I’ve had on boat trips has been meeting interesting people in the places where we’ve gotten unintentionally stranded. You’ll find yourself a stranger in a new place with no schedule and a world of exploring to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Prevent Sea Sickness?
Taking dramamine and wearing sea bands prior to encountering rough water can help to reduce the effects of sea sickness, as well as getting plenty of fresh air. It also helps to be well rested and well-fed (i.e. not hungry or with an empty stomach).
How Long Does Sea Sickness Last?
The length of time a person will feel the effects of motion sickness onboard a yacht or ship depends on a number of factors, however the feeling will usually only lasts a few hours maximum, or until the conditions that caused the nausea begin to subside or diminish.
What Cures Sea Sickness?
Besides taking medication, the best advice for curing sea sickness once you are already nauseous is to try staying towards the middle of the vessel, close to the waterline, and staring straight ahead at the farthest point on the horizon. Take deep breaths and remain calm, the feeling will eventually pass. Remember that virtually all cases of sea sickness are temporary and quite short term.
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