SEASICKNESS


According to Spike Milligan, the best cure for seasickness is to sit under a tree!

A Sailor (who shall remain anonymous) stated - I had sailed more than 500 miles in short cruises and suffered only the mildest of symptoms of seasickness before finding out what it was really like to be stricken with the dreadful malady. It came over me very quickly after about seven hours at sea and after nightfall, made me violently ill and left me in a very delicate state for the rest of the twenty seven hour voyage.

Could it put you off sailing for good? Well, yes! It could. However, the thing is that you have to do something about it - you just can't expect to get over it.

The French call it 'mal de mer', (which is entirely too poetic for something so wretched) but like any motion sickness, seasickness occurs when the brain receives erratic stimulation from the body's sensory receptors - semicular canals located in the inner ear. The incessant shifting movement of the ocean waves causes fluid in the canals to move, throwing your internal compass off balance. Symptoms range from mild manifestations, such as fatigue and excessive yawning, to full blown illness, vomiting, cold sweats and more. The good news is that it can be handled -- knowing what to do, and (more importantly) what to avoid, possibly with a little medical assistance, can get you through the first hours or days at sea, which are always the worst, until you find yourself fully adapted. (Most people adjust to the motion at sea within 48 to 72 hours).

Many people always take something before going to sea.

Natural Remedies

A "natural", ginger-based capsule. You need to take with plenty of water, but I am told they seem to work quite well for some people. Crystallised Ginger can also be pretty effective. Some people also think that chamomile and peppermint tea help. Stugeron tablets also work well for some people - ask your pharmacist for advice, especially if you are on any sort of medication.

Pressure-point bands

These are sold in many shops and pharmacies. They are known as 'travel bands', or pressure-point wristbands. They have been developed from Chinese acupuncture principles, and are very successful in suppressing seasickness for some.

Diet is very important:

" Coffee will almost guarantee seasickness: steer clear of it before sailing. Also avoid tea and alcohol.
" Avoid rich and spicy foods, even the day before sailing.
" Nibbling crackers or bread can help a lot -- eating is a great cure, strange though it seems, as long as it's bland.
" Remember to stay hydrated, whatever else you do, (water is best).

Perhaps most important is just where you position yourself on the boat:

" The best thing is to stay on deck, and focus on the horizon.
" Giving yourself something to do that involves concentrating outside the boat is great -- steering, taking land bearings, whatever. (Keeping busy certainly seems to help overcome queasiness.)
" Avoid strenuous work that involves having your head down, or break it up with long gazes out to sea.
" If below decks, lie down with your eyes closed and avoid reading; open a hatch if possible to get fresh air (but don't let the sea in).
" Stay as close to the middle of the boat as possible to lessen the frequency and intensity of motion.
" If the engine is running, try to keep away from exhaust fumes - they can have a really bad effect. However, don't allow yourself to be put off, just be prepared, and enjoy the sailing!