Seasickness, or motion sickness, is a common problem that can ruin your sailing adventure. It’s caused by the repeated motion of the waves and can result in nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. 

While there is no way to completely prevent seasickness, there are a number of things you can do to minimize its effects. Here are 10 tips for avoiding seasickness and having a smooth ride:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you are sick. Drinking fluids helps to prevent dehydration, which can make your symptoms worse. Water, juice, clear soups, and herbal teas are all good options. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you. Avoid sugary drinks, which can make you feel more nauseated. 

Image thanks EcoSistems

2. Get plenty of rest

It's important to get plenty of rest before your cruise. Being well-rested can help minimize the effects of seasickness. Seasickness is more likely to occur if you're tired, so make sure to get a good night's sleep before your trip. You can also try to take a nap during the day to help you feel refreshed and less likely to get seasick.

Thanks Two Get Lost

3. Eat light and healthy foods

When it comes to avoiding seasickness, what you eat is just as important as what you don’t eat. Heavy, greasy foods can make seasickness worse, so it’s best to stick to light and healthy fare. Seafood, fruits, and vegetables are all good options, and you should also make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Image thanks A Taste For Travel

4. Avoid alcohol

While it might be tempting to drink alcohol to relax on your sail, it's best to avoid it altogether. Drinking alcohol can intensify seasickness, so it's best to stay sober while on the boat. If you do drink, be sure to drink in moderation and keep yourself hydrated.

Image thanks Better Sailing

5. Sit towards the middle of the boat

We all know the feeling. You're on a boat, the waves are crashing, and you feel like you're going to be sick. But especially on larger vessels, there's a way to help lessen the motion sickness you feel on a boat, and it's pretty simple - sit low and in the middle of the boat.

Sitting in the middle of the boat will help you feel less movement because you're closer to the center of gravity. The boat will also move less side-to-side, which can help reduce the feeling of nausea. So next time you're on a boat, remember to sit in the middle and you just might avoid getting seasick.

Image thanks Danielis Yachting

6. Look at the horizon

Looking at the horizon can help ease seasickness because it provides a stable point for your eyes to focus on. When you're on a boat, your eyes are constantly moving as the boat rocks back and forth. This can cause a feeling of nausea and can worsen seasickness. Focusing on the horizon can help your eyes to stay still and can therefore help to ease seasickness.

Image thanks Tubber Magazine

7. Don’t read on the boat

If you're prone to seasickness, you might want to avoid reading while on the boat. That's because reading can actually make seasickness worse.

When you're seasick, your body is telling you that it's not happy with the movement of the boat. And when you read, you're adding even more movement to that mix - which can make your body even more unhappy.

So if you're planning on spending time on the boat, it's probably best to leave the book at home. Unless, of course, you're looking for a way to make your seasickness even worse.

Image thanks hammett79 via Fotolia and Sailing Europe

8. Take motion sickness medication

There are a few things you can do to help prevent seasickness, but one of the best things you can do is to take medication specifically for motion sickness. If you’re prone to seasickness, be sure to take your medication before you get on the ship. And, if you start to feel seasick while you’re on the cruise, don’t hesitate to take more of your medication. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Talk to your doctor to see if this is an option for you. 

Image thanks SingleCare

9. Get some fresh air

If you're feeling a bit queasy from being on the open sea, there are a few things you can do to help ease your seasickness. One of the best things you can do is to get some fresh air. The fresh air will help to reduce the nausea and vomiting associated with seasickness.

So, if you're feeling seasick, step out onto the deck and take a deep breath of fresh, salty air. You should start to feel better in no time. 

10. Get behind the wheel of the boat

If you’re feeling seasick, one of the best things you can do is get behind the wheel of the boat. This will help you focus on something other than the waves and can help ease seasickness.

Conclusion

Abiding by these tips should help keep seasickness at bay. Don't let the fear of seasickness stop you sailing! As the saying goes: a life lived in fear is a life half-lived. Lean into your seasickness, be prepared and you'll be fine!

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